The Office of the President announced the appointment of James A. Felton III as the inaugural vice president for equity & inclusion (VPEI) and chief diversity officer. The announcement was issued in an email sent to the Fordham community on June 13.
Felton said his role as VPEI is to ensure equity for everyone in the Fordham community. In this role, Felton will broadly assist senior university leaders on the President’s cabinet, the President’s advisory council and the University Council of Deans as they chart Fordham’s future.
“The work of equity and inclusion is not just about compliance; it is about creating a space where everyone can thrive and contribute to the university’s mission,” Felton said. “This role is essential in ensuring that we uphold our commitment to social justice and the dignity of every individual.”
Michele Prettyman, the former co-chair of the Fordham Arts and Sciences Deans’ Anti-Racism Advisory, expressed optimism that Felton will meet the needs of Fordham’s incoming first-year class, which is its most diverse to date.
“I hope that as Fordham has announced that this is its most diverse class ever, that every student would feel comfortable and confident that any concerns they have or that any incidents that take place would be transparently addressed and that the voices and needs of students of color, who have sometimes felt unseen, would be respected,” Prettyman said.
The email announcing Felton’s appointment as VPEI and chief diversity officer praised his work in education, advocacy and government.
Felton is described as “A visionary and thoughtful scholar-practitioner in the field of diversity in higher education, James is a gifted strategist who will help Fordham continue making progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion — core to our Catholic, Jesuit mission.”
“This work is not just a job for me; it is my life’s vocation. At Fordham, I see the potential to make a significant impact, ensuring that our community reflects the values of inclusion and belonging that are central to our Jesuit identity.” James A. Felton III, Vice President for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Previously, Felton served as the vice president for inclusive excellence at The College of New Jersey, and since 2021 has sat on the board of directors of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Felton was also the chief diversity officer at the State University of New York at Cortland from 2017-20 and Vice President for Inclusive Excellence for Anne Arundel Community College from 2020 until he began his role at Fordham in July 2024. In 2016, Felton attended the White House Convening on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education, sponsored by the White House Domestic Policy Council in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. He has also worked with corporate, nonprofit and federal agencies to promote programs and initiatives that aid in equity efforts.
Felton said building equity and inclusion on campus is his calling.
“This work is not just a job for me; it is my life’s vocation,” Felton said. “At Fordham, I see the potential to make a significant impact, ensuring that our community reflects the values of inclusion and belonging that are central to our Jesuit identity.”
Prettyman said she is confident that Felton will realize Fordham’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across both campuses.
“As Mr. Felton steps into this role, his office must be given the support and space to take bold steps and to do the work fearlessly and without apology,” Prettyman said.
The position of VPEI, Prettyman said, is crucial to Fordham’s core values.
“It is vital as Fordham attempts to fulfill its creed and mission,” Prettyman said. “We cannot abide injustice or inequity of any kind and the Fordham community cannot evolve without a commitment to these values.”
VPEI will also support and supervise various programs, including Fordham’s Higher Education Opportunity Program, College Science and Technology Entry Program, Science and Technology Entry Program, and Talent Search Program.
The dean of the Gabelli School of Business, Lerzan Aksoy, was chair of the committee in the national search for this role. Over 100 students, faculty, and staff also aided in this pursuit as they interviewed the final four candidates for Felton’s position.
