Dear Members of the College Community,  

I am very pleased to announce that we have hired LaKeisha Thorpe, Ph.D., as the College’s Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, effective February 8, 2021. I wish to thank all those involved and especially the members of the search committee for their tremendous efforts to complete this search and to present such a talented and experienced leader for this critical position. 

With a holistic and transdisciplinary approach to advising students, faculty, and staff, Dr. Thorpe brings more than 10 years of experience in higher education, student life, and diversity, equity, and inclusion to the campus. I am delighted to have her join our community at this critical time in the life of our nation and our campus. Her experience makes her well-suited to lead on these important issues, and her passion for supporting individuals during their academic, professional, and personal journeys is completely aligned with the College’s commitment to serving all without distinction. 

As the Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, Dr. Thorpe will be responsible for amplifying the College’s mission and values to sustain an inclusive and welcoming campus community. In addition to creating and auditing policies and procedures that reflect diverse, equitable, and inclusive thinking, she will provide programming and training for all members of the College Community and develop offerings inclusive of the broader public. 

Most recently, Dr. Thorpe served in dual roles as the Senior Diversity Officer and Associate Dean for the Graduate and Continuing Studies School at Moravian College in Bethlehem. She advised faculty, staff, and students on issues and policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion through engaging programming, training, and partnerships, while developing and managing the enrollment and academics for the graduate program. Prior to that role, she held positions with Albright College and Lehigh Carbon Community College. She has also worked as a consultant on diversity, equity, and inclusion for nonprofits and higher education institutions, including Princeton University.  

“It’s my happy fortune that I will be able to work with Chestnut Hill College during this pivotal time in our lives,” said Thorpe. “I look forward to doing good and necessary work with people who care and who are truly invested in inclusion.” 

Dr. Thorpe earned her doctoral degree in philosophy in transformative studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies and holds a master's degree in creative writing from Goddard College and a bachelor’s from Penn State University. She has published research on multicultural competency, identity, and learning and has participated in lectures and presentations across the nation on related subjects. 

We are fortunate and blessed to have a leader with Dr. Thorpe’s experience lead our campus efforts in this area and we look forward to her contributions to our campus community. Please join me in welcoming her to our CHC family.  

Peace and blessings,  

Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D.  

President