Altheia Richardson
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Newberry College
Dr. Altheia Richardson’s career in higher education has spanned over 30 years, primarily focused on making the institutions at which she has worked to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive. While at Clemson University, Dr. Richardson was afforded the unique opportunity to develop and lead the first Multicultural Affairs Department in 1996. She led this organization (currently known as the Harvey and Lucinda Gantt Multicultural Center) in its many forms for 22 years.
Dr. Richardson co-chaired the task force that created Clemson University’s first diversity plan. As part of this initiative, she co-authored the proposal to create the first Chief Diversity Officer position, which was accepted by the university administration.
Before leaving Clemson University in April of 2023, Dr. Richardson served as the Associate Vice President for Strategic Diversity Leadership. In this role, she provided leadership for the university’s Strategic Planning for Inclusive Excellence initiative. This initiative involved guiding the university through a process whereby each unit (colleges, divisions, commissions, as well as faculty and staff senates) developed and implemented strategic plans focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She also led other strategic initiatives for the university.
Dr. Richardson currently serves as the inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at Newberry College, a role she assumed in May of 2023 after retiring from Clemson University following 31 years of service. Reporting to the President of Newberry College, Dr. Richardson is currently responsible for providing leadership in promoting a culture of Inclusive Excellence in all areas of the college.
Dr. Richardson also currently serves as President of the Carolinas Chapter of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE). Established in 2022, this group consists of diversity officers at institutions of higher education in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Dr. Richardson received her PhD in Educational Leadership, as well as her Master in Business Administration, from Clemson University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of S. Carolina. Dr. Richardson is married to Taji Richardson, and they have two daughters—Zari (age 21, and a senior at the University of S. Carolina) and Akilah (age 16, and a junior in high school). They currently reside in Greenville, SC.