Paulette Granberry Russell

Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D., President and CEO of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, is a leading voice on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education. As NADOHE’s president and CEO, she has led the organization as the preeminent advocate for chief diversity officers and diversity professionals—building and leading coalition efforts, defending evidence-based institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts against state and federal challenges, and elevating best practices for systemic change. Throughout her career in higher education, Granberry Russell has focused on expanding access, improving outcomes for students, faculty, and staff, and embedding inclusive leadership across institutions. She has counseled colleges, universities, and organizations in the U.S. and abroad on strategic diversity initiatives that drive measurable, equitable results. She retired from Michigan State University in August 2022 after 22 years as senior advisor to the president for diversity. She earned her B.A. from MSU and her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and is a licensed Michigan attorney.