Idella Glenn, Ph. D., is a seasoned professional committed to inclusive excellence, student success and creating welcoming campus environments for all constituents. Glenn is a collaborative leader with over 30 years of higher education experience – the last 25 years focused on leading diversity and inclusion initiatives. Dr. Glenn joined the University of Southern Maine as Associate Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact in September 2020. Idella served for three years as Special Advisor on Inclusivity and Diversity at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. Before coming to Hollins, she served as Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Director for Diversity Education and Retention Initiatives within the Division of Inclusive Excellence. Prior to VCU, Idella spent 18 years at Furman University serving as Asst. VP for Student Development, Asst. Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, and Director of Multicultural Affairs. Prior to Furman, Idella began her career in Higher Education as the Records Manager (Registrar) at Spartanburg Community College.
Dr. Glenn earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science/math from Furman University, and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration from the University of South Carolina. She earned a PhD. in Educational Leadership from Clemson University in 2008. Her dissertation topic: The Experiences of Chief Student Affairs Officers in Addressing Incidents of Racial Insensitivity on College and University Campuses.
Idella is a member of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Board of Directors and Co-Director of the NCBI Coalition, a group of colleges in North and South Carolina that maintain NCBI teams. She also serves as an NCBI campus support leader and currently provides support for campuses in North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Alaska. Glenn has earned designation as a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) through the Institute for Diversity Certification and is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory. Idella completed training offered through the Sustained Dialogue Institute and oversaw the program at Hollins University. She is a graduate of the Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Academy, Class 2. She served on the National Advisory Council of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. Glenn also served as President of the South Carolina Professional Association for Access and Equity from 2002-2004 and is a graduate of Leadership Greenville (SC), class 28.