Christopher A. Metzler, a true visionary in academia, healthcare, and diversity, passed away on Saturday, March 23, at his home in Grenada. His sudden departure leaves a void not only in the lives of his loved ones but also in the fields of higher education, social justice, and diversity advocacy.
In 2008, he developed the first Editorial Board for Insight Into Diversity magazine, and was selected as the inaugural Board Chair. “He recruited DEI experts from Fortune 500 companies, higher education, and nonprofits to offer their expertise and help us grow our company. Dr. Metzler generously shared his passion for DEI and incredible depth of knowledge with us, our readers, and our clients. He truly was a DEI champion, friend, and colleague of so many, and will be greatly missed,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher.
As most recent Board Chair of the LEAD Fund (The Fund for Leadership, Equity, Access, and Diversity), Metzler exemplified dedication to inclusive excellence. In a statement to ABC4.com, Edna Chun, Vice Chair of the LEAD Fund and former Insight Into Diversity Editorial Board member, said, “Dr. Chris Metzler continuously illuminated our path toward a more inclusive future in which all voices are welcomed and valued. His knowledgeable advocacy and inspiring perspectives provided essential guidance in our work.”
With degrees in law and human rights from both Columbia University and the University of Oxford, and doctorates from Aberdeen, his academic journey was distinguished. He served on faculties at Cornell University, Georgetown University, Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine, Bellarmine University, and Kings College, among others.
Metzler pioneered the nation’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification program at Cornell University. Later, as Senior Dean at Georgetown University, he was the driving force behind the creation of seven innovative master’s degree programs, including human capital, sports management, technology, systems engineering, real estate, emergency and disaster relief, and urban and regional planning.
Christopher A. Metzler’s legacy as a scholar, leader, author, and advocate will endure, inspiring generations to come. His passing is mourned deeply by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched with his unwavering support.
