Today@Sam Article

Jeanine Bias named Chief Diversity Officer at Sam Houston State University

Feb. 21, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Jeanine Bias has been named as chief diversity officer (CDO) at Sam Houston State University. She will assume this inaugural role on March 7.

Bias will report directly to SHSU president, Alisa White, and serve as a member of the extended Cabinet. Bias will provide the strategic leadership for diversity, equity and inclusion programming. She will coordinate and advise on initiatives, establishing and integrating efforts that support a vision of inclusive excellence across campus.

Bias is both humbled and overjoyed to be selected as the inaugural chief diversity officer, “I find this journey especially meaningful, as I began my higher education experience in 1994 as a SHSU freshman. Through the university’s intentional commitment towards diversity, equity, and inclusion; I now have the opportunity to partner with the campus community in ways that will profoundly impact the future of my alma mater and generations of students. This is truly an honor.”  

Bias has more than twenty years of progressive leadership in higher education administration with a strong emphasis on inclusive excellence and systemic, collaborative approaches to management and problem-solving. She joined SHSU in 2006 as assistant dean of students. Prior to her new role of CDO, she held the position of director, institutional diversity & inclusion/title IX coordinator for more than seven years, while serving as the interim chief diversity officer since January 2021.

Bias earned her Executive Master of Public Administration from Texas Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Sam Houston State University.

“While diversity, equity and inclusion at Sam Houston remains a collective effort, the CDO brings a focus on outcomes that support real and sustainable change,” said White. “Jeanine’s strong professional track record and understanding of our community and culture make her a great choice for this position.”

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