Tougaloo, Miss. – Effective February 1st, Dr. Daphne Chamberlain has been appointed Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice.
“Tougaloo College has been a consistent voice of hope and change in Mississippi, and now more than ever is committed to strengthening its position as a higher education leader and model on social justice on the state, national, and global levels. The creation of this senior-level executive position advances Tougaloo's strategic priority of elevating social justice across its curriculum, expanding current practices and research, and improving its campus culture and climate. Dr. Chamberlain is the ideal collaborative leader. She is a well-respected historian, scholar, and change agent with a proven track record in higher education teaching, research, and leadership. In this elevated role, she will be a vital voice for the institution and play a pivotal role in forging and strengthening collaborative partnerships. I am confident that her knowledge, experience, and deep commitment to social justice will shape, guide, and inform the College's work,” said Tougaloo College President Dr. Carmen J. Walters.
Before returning to Tougaloo as a faculty member, Dr. Chamberlain was the founding Director of the Civil Rights Education Center (COFO) at Jackson State University. Dr. Chamberlain returned to Tougaloo College in 2013, serving in multiple roles in the College of Social Science, ultimately becoming Associate Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs. Her career focuses on the civil rights movement, emphasizing children’s participation, and she has served as a scholar-consultant for numerous local, state, and national civil rights projects. One of her favorite quotes is that of human rights activist Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote has become a central part of the work she has done inside and outside the classroom, within the community, and now the students at Tougaloo College.
“It is with a humble heart, a spirit of servant-leadership, and a commitment to Tougaloo College, our students, faculty, and staff that I accepted the offer to serve as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Social Justice. I have a tremendous task ahead of me, and I am looking forward to continuing this labor of love and advancing the institution’s social justice legacy,” Dr. Chamberlain said.
Dr. Chamberlain is a native of Columbus, Mississippi. She completed her undergraduate studies at Tougaloo College in 2001 and received her master’s and Ph.D. in History from the University of Mississippi.
