Lisa M. Coleman, Ph.D. is New York University's (NYU’s) inaugural Senior Vice President (SVP) for Global Inclusion, Diversity and Strategic Innovation where she is responsible for advancing innovative inclusion initiatives across NYU’s global campuses, schools, centers, institutes, and leadership programs. Prior to NYU, Dr. Coleman served as Harvard University’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President from 2010-2017, where she advanced inclusive leadership efforts, belonging and diversity programs and outreach, and directed one of Harvard’s signature leadership executive education programs for diversity and inclusion.  Additionally, Dr. Coleman directed the Africana program at Tufts University 2000-2007, and was later appointed by the President to serve as that institution’s first senior D&I officer, 2007-2010. 

Dr. Coleman earned her doctorate in Social and Cultural Analysis, American Studies from NYU and three master’s degrees from the Ohio State University (OSU)  in African and African American Studies; Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; and Communication Studies. Her undergraduate degree is from Denison University in sociology/anthropology, where she also began her studies computer science and women’s/gender studies.

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