V.P. for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Chief Diversity Officer, Southern Illinois University System

Dr. Sheila Caldwell stands as a true diversity architect, pioneering transformative change in higher education through her trailblazing work in student success and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her illustrious career has been marked by holding several inaugural positions, solidifying her reputation as a visionary leader who reshapes institutional landscapes.

Dr. Sheila Caldwell currently serves as the inaugural Vice President of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer for the Southern Illinois University System in Springfield, Illinois. She works across the campuses in Springfield, Carbondale, Edwardsville, and East St. Louis to strengthen equity and ensure a level playing field for all students, staff, and faculty members. During her tenure, she has collaborated with SIU team members to develop a system-wide Land Acknowledgement Statement, Antiracism Vision Statement, Inclusive Language Guide, ADEI Leadership Certificate, ADEI Tenure and Promotions Recommendations, Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium, and conduct a system-wide campus climate survey. 

Prior to joining Sothern Illinois University in July 2021, Dr. Caldwell served as the inaugural Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer for Wheaton College. She collaborated across the college to create the first Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment Statement, Flourishing for All Diversity Strategic Plan, and Gender Equity Vision Statement. During her tenure she also implemented, expanded, and sustained faculty mentoring programs, inclusive hiring training, and employee strategic advisory councils for Asian, African American and Latinx faculty and staff members. 

As UNG’s first Advisor to the President on Diversity, Dr. Caldwell increased faculty of color by 50% through impactful inclusive hiring trainings. Her trailblazing initiatives included securing a $1.5M U.S. Department of Education grant and establishing the first Diversity Leadership and Vision Statement.

Most recently, she has received notable awards for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The SIU System is the only system in the country to receive the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. SIU also received the 2023 NADOHE Institutional Excellence Award. She has been honored by the Urban League as a 2020 Women of Power Honoree and by SHE Chicago for Strong, Humble and Empowering leadership. Caldwell earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia. She completed Harvard Kennedy School Strategies for Building and Leading Diverse Organizations Executive Education program.

Dr. Caldwell’s presence as a panelist and expert speaker at national conferences such as NADOHE, AAC&U, and NASH attests to her influence in academia, making her a credible and influential figure for higher education institutions seeking to enhance diversity and inclusion.

As a board member for the African American History Museum and the Leadership Team for the Springfield Coalition for Dismantling Racism, Dr. Caldwell continues to champion social change. 

Dr. Caldwell’s insights and expertise have been featured on CNN, a global news leader. Her expertise has found a platform in national publications such as INSIGHT Into Diversity  where she has contributed articles that delved into leading for antiracism and utilizing climate surveys effectively to advance diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Her written contributions reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within academic settings, providing insightful commentary for a diverse readership.

Beyond traditional media, Dr. Caldwell’s thought leadership extends to higher education blogs. Topics such as the ROI of Diversity, Contempt of Presence, and All Truth Matters highlight a commitment to advancing discourse within the academic community.

Through her extensive work, media features, and written contributions, Dr. Sheila Caldwell has established herself not only as an academic leader but as a public intellectual shaping conversations at the intersection of education, diversity, and societal change. Her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and relevance has elevated her to a position of influence in both academic and public spheres.