Matthew Chaney of Ferris State named vice president for inclusive excellence at Wright State

Matthew C. Chaney

Matthew C. Chaney, director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Ferris State University, has been named the first vice president for inclusive excellence at Wright State University. He will join Wright State on June 1.

“As vice president for inclusive excellence, Dr. Chaney will work with our campus community to foster an institutional culture that supports diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion across Wright State’s campuses,” said Wright State President Sue Edwards.

Chaney will provide leadership and strategic planning for diversity and inclusion initiatives across the university, including working with campus constituents to create a climate survey that will be the foundation of a comprehensive inclusive excellence plan.

He will work with Student Recruitment and Admissions, Human Resources and the Provost’s Office on the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students, faculty and staff. He will also collaborate and advise on activities in departments and academic programs throughout the university to develop, integrate and articulate Wright State’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive community. He will also oversee the Office of Inclusive Excellence, which includes the cultural and identity centers.

Chaney understands that diversity and inclusive excellence work begins with intentionality. As a passionate educator committed to student development and inclusive excellence, Chaney supports students in their educational pursuits through mentorship and leadership development.

At Ferris State, Chaney participated in university strategic planning and diversity initiatives, including in efforts to create the institution’s first Diversity and Inclusion Plan and the Center for Latin@ Studies. He also collaborated with faculty and student affairs and academic affairs administrators on issues related to enrollment, student matriculation, conduct, identity, conflict resolution, Greek life, and the recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds.

As leader of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, Chaney oversees the department’s focus on advocacy, leadership development, cultural awareness, mentorship, and college access. He also oversees programs and services provided by the office and the LGBTQ+ Resource Center to create a welcoming environment for all students.

During his 25-year career at Ferris State, he has also served as assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, assistant director of student support services, and coordinator of the Martin Luther King Jr., César Chávez, Rosa Parks (KCP) Initiative College Day Program in the Office of Minority Student Affairs.

He earned an Ed.D. in community college leadership, a master’s degree in career and technical education, a bachelor’s degree in public relations and marketing, and an associate degree from Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan.