Deirdre G. Pitts, Ph.D., SCP-IPMA

Deirdre has over 30 years of experience in Human Resource administration in the areas of retail management, health administration, municipal government, and higher education.

In her current role, Deirdre is responsible for the coordination of programs that assist faculty in the advancement of their career paths, including the successful achievement of promotion and tenure. Her role also involves oversight of faculty and staff professional development programs and the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Deirdre is a certified Cook Ross Unconscious Bias Trainer. In addition to Unconscious Bias, she facilitates several sessions surrounding creating cultures that support inclusive excellence; “How to say something when you see or hear something”, Calling In vs. Calling Out, managing microaggressions utilizing a non-threatening approach. In 2017 Deirdre was awarded Oakland University’s “Dissertation of the Year” for her work entitled: “The Academic Search: Unconscious Bias and its’ impact on the recruitment and evaluation of faculty candidates”. As a part of her research efforts and with the support of leadership, she lead the charge for the initiation of OUWB’s Diversity Liaison program, a model which has been adopted throughout the University.

Deirdre holds a BSBA from Central Michigan University, a MAOM from Spring Arbor University, and a Ph.D. in Education: Educational Leadership from Oakland University.