Leah Cox, PhD

(LEE-uh KAKS)

Dr. Leah Cox serves as the Vice Provost of Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer. In this role, Dr. Cox is a member of the Chancellor’s and Provost’s respective leadership cabinets and is tasked with informing and implementing the institution’s strategy, processes, and infrastructure related to building our community together.

The VP/CDO advises campus leaders to create a campus community in which faculty, staff, and students feel that they belong and are equipped to thrive in a global society. The VP/CDO takes the lead in enhancing the educational benefits of diversity for students through equitable and effective recruitment, enrollment, and retention. The VP/CDO develops systems that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across a breadth of university activities, including hiring, training and professional development, promotion and tenure, teaching, research, evaluation, and budgeting and resource allocation. The VP/CDO supports the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, as well as the Chancellor, on decision-making and messaging on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The VP/CDO convenes DEI representatives/DEI Council in respective units and schools to help implement Carolina’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Contact: 

leah.cox@unc.edu

(919) 918-5770