Villanova University Names Ariella Robbins as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

VILLANOVA, Pa. (Nov. 11, 2024)-Villanova University has announced the appointment of Ariella Robbins as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effectively immediately. This appointment is the result of a national search led by a committee of faculty, staff, students and administrators. Robbins has served as the Interim Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Villanova since the retirement of Terry Nance, PhD, in December 2023. Prior to that, she was the Assistant Vice President for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University.

"Our focus centered on finding an individual who believes in the Augustinian values and mission of our University, who understands the changing landscape of higher education, and who will be a champion of equity and inclusion for all Villanovans," said the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President. "Within an impressive group of applicants, Ariella quickly distinguished herself as a collaborative, passionate and energetic leader with the qualities and experience critical for this position. I look forward to working with Ariella."

In her new role, Robbins will be a member of the University's leadership team and play a critical role in providing a vibrant and equitable campus experience for all members of the Villanova community. Key responsibilities include ongoing collaboration and support of inclusive recruitment processes for students, faculty and staff; working to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive campus culture; and providing pedagogical training opportunities for faculty and staff.

"I am truly honored and excited for this new role and the opportunity to work closely with Father Peter and University leadership to continue Villanova's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion," said Robbins. "As we continue to traverse an evolving landscape, it is important to remain steadfast in our commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all members thrive. The work of diversity, equity and inclusion empowers us to live out our Augustinian Catholic values of truth, unity and love each and every day."

During her tenure at Villanova, Robbins has been instrumental in establishing and expanding institutional diversity, equity and inclusion goals, including the development of comprehensive equity and justice curricula for faculty and staff. She led a partnership between the University's Office of Human Resources and the Villanova Initiative to Support Inclusiveness and Build Leaders to plan and facilitate "Hiring for Villanova's Future" training for employees serving on search committees. Robbins also established Employee Resource Groups to provide support and engagement to faculty and staff. She now leads the University's Aequitas Committee, charged with continuing to actively engage the campus community on effectively incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives into future campus experiences.

Robbins earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mansfield University and a Master of Science in Counseling and Student Development in Higher Education from California State University at Long Beach. She is a frequent speaker and presenter at national conferences on higher education and diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an experienced DEI consultant and instructor. Robbins is also a member of the National Conference Leadership Committee for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.