Whitworth Appoints Micki Abercrombie-Donahue as Interim Chief Diversity Officer
Abercrombie-Donahue began working at Whitworth in 2021 and was most recently the associate dean of graduate counseling & leadership programs. In her new role, she will lead the university in advancing key diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. She’ll work with other university leaders to continue efforts to improve underrepresented student and faculty recruitment and retention and will work to strengthen community partnerships and intergroup dialogue initiatives. She will also co-chair the strategic plan goal on human flourishing, along with Vice President of Student Life Rhosetta Rhodes.
“Dr. Abercrombie-Donahue will be a valuable leader for university efforts in our Christ-centered commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and a superb addition to the president’s cabinet,” Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin says.
Her areas of expertise include multicultural and multilingual education; racial reconciliation and healing practices; culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy; and diversity, equity and inclusion.
While at Whitworth, in addition to her teaching duties and serving on Whitworth’s Diversity Leadership Council, Abercrombie-Donahue has developed relationships and partnerships with tribal and Latine communities.
“I feel privileged to have this opportunity to work collaboratively with the Whitworth leadership, faculty, staff and students to continue to expand the diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives already occurring throughout our community,” Abercrombie-Donahue says. “As a relational leader, I look forward to serving the Whitworth community and working collaboratively with all the incredibly talented people at Whitworth to support the underserved and underrepresented communities in our region. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve Whitworth in this new role.”
Abercrombie-Donahue holds an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction from Montana State University and was previously employed at Point Loma Nazarene University as an associate professor of education and Northshore Christian Academy in Seattle as a teacher and educational consultant.
Abercrombie-Donahue’s interim position will extend through the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu
