Dr. Nefertiti Walker Appointed Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity at UMass

BOSTON, MA - University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan has appointed Dr. Nefertiti Walker as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity, a role critical to advancing academic quality, student success, and equity across the five-campus UMass system. Meehan announced Dr. Walker's appointment during the UMass Board of Trustees Committee on Academic and Student Affairs meeting earlier today.

"Dr. Nefertiti Walker is a phenomenal leader, an accomplished academic, and an experienced administrator," said President Meehan. "Over nearly three years, she has taken on increasing responsibilities within the President's Office and proven to be a transformative player on our team. Her leadership and commitment to equity and inclusion will ensure that the University of Massachusetts continues to promote an academic culture that is focused on excellence and accessibility."

"I am incredibly honored and excited to step into this new role as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity at the University of Massachusetts," said Dr. Nefertiti Walker. "UMass has been a transformative force in my own professional journey, and I am deeply committed to advancing its mission of excellence, equity, and accessibility. This is a pivotal time for higher education, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to continue advancing the university's goals."

Dr. Walker has served as Deputy Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity since July 2023, following her role as Presidential Advisor for Equity and Inclusion. She joined the UMass President's Office in January 2022 while also serving as Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UMass Amherst.

She will assume the responsibilities of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Equity, and UMass Amherst Chancellor Emeritus Kumble Subbaswamy, who will be retiring at the end of this calendar year.

UMass President Meehan and trustees praised Dr. Subbaswamy's leadership on the UMass Amherst campus, as well as his work in the President's Office.

"Dr. Subbaswamy's impact on the university has been extraordinary," President Meehan said. "He significantly raised the national profile and reputation of UMass Amherst and made it a top destination for students. He brought an energy to the campus that was distinctive and his passion for his work was infectious."

During her time at UMass Amherst, Dr. Walker spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including the creation of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference, a campus climate survey engagement process, and employee resource groups (ERGs). Her leadership led to new grants, advisory councils, and programs designed to foster an inclusive campus culture.

As associate dean for an inclusive organization at the Isenberg School of Management, Dr. Walker established the school's first Office of Equity and Inclusion. Her scholarly contributions include more than 100 international publications and presentations on topics such as organizational inclusion and the experiences of individuals with marginalized identities. Her research has been featured in leading journals, including the Journal of Sport Management and the Journal of Business Research.

Dr. Walker is also a tenured professor at Isenberg, where she teaches courses on leadership, organizational behavior, and diversity in business. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Isenberg Teaching and Research Excellence Awards, and has been cited in major publications such as The Washington Post, ESPN.com, and TIME Sports.

A former NCAA Division I basketball player, Dr. Walker earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Stetson University, where she has been inducted into the athletics hall of fame. She also lettered in basketball at Georgia Tech. She earned her Ph.D. in Sport Management from the University of Florida.