Jennifer PeeksMease has been named the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s next assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Selected following a national search, PeeksMease will serve as a leader of diversity education and leadership development for the university

“We are thrilled to have Jennifer joining our Husker community and leading efforts that build professional learning and inclusive leadership experiences — consistent with N2025” said Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. “Her background as an organizational communication professor and work with JMU’s diversity efforts will only strength and deepen ODI’s connection with the academic core of the institution and build important bridges across difference.”

PeeksMease is an associate professor of organizational and cultural communication at James Madison University. She also serves on the co-chair team for James Madison University’s 150+ member Task Force for Racial Equity; serves on a steering committee for the Intergroup Dialogue Program; and is co-founder and coordinator for the Wake Up program, the AAAD Accomplice Network, and the Community Engagement Liaison Program with the Office of Community Service-Learning.

PeeksMease’s research addresses how social bias is built into organizational structures, and how individuals and groups cope with, challenge, and change those structures. Her consulting experience includes diversity and inclusion work, executive coaching, and team development. In all aspects of her work, she is guided by her commitment to courageous humility and to creating the conditions under which all people can be the best versions of themselves.

“Current initiatives and strategic developments have placed the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in a position to continue expanding inclusive leadership and learning opportunities that support the entire campus community and increase a shared culture of understanding and engagement,” PeeksMease said. “I’m excited to join the leadership of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and to get on campus and begin connecting with leaders across the university to leverage our strengths and build momentum across the institution.”

She will join the campus community on July 1.

PeeksMease earned a doctorate in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Arts in human communication from Arizona State University.

The search committee for the assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership was led by Nick Monk, director of the Center for Transformative Teaching.

The assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning reports to the vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and will serve as a leader in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The position will develop and coordinate efforts that improve, build, and enhance the diversity, equity and inclusive-based learning offered through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The assistant vice chancellor will develop and coordinate efforts that build diverse staff talent searches, onboarding, retention and success.

Additionally, the position will provide thought leadership, education and consultative services that facilitate a shared responsibility for advancing institutional learning goals and support for university committees, groups and programs aimed at building an inclusive campus community.

Learn more about the university’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.