Cal State East Bay Names New University Diversity Officer

After a nationwide search, Kimberly Baker-Flowers has been selected as the university diversity officer, the university announced Monday. Baker-Flowers will start Aug. 13 and comes to Cal State East Bay from a variety of senior level diversity roles, most recently as chief diversity officer and Title IX co-coordinator for the Portland Community College District. 

She has also worked for education and nonprofit organizations focused on diversity, equity and inclusion including Teach for America and as the chief diversity officer at Eastern Carolina University.

“I am excited that Kimberly Baker-Flowers will be joining Cal State East Bay’s leadership team,” said President Leroy M. Morishita in a statement. “Ms. Baker-Flowers brings a wealth of experience in advocating for social justice, equitable practices, education and diversity. She has a reputation for her commitment to diversity and a passion for restorative practices. I look forward to her working collaboratively and engaging others in pursuit of positive impacts for our students, faculty and staff.”

Baker-Flowers says she is “honored and excited” to start at Cal State East Bay and “learn more about what makes [the university] so special and unique.”

“I especially look forward to working with the students, faculty and staff of East Bay,” she said.

Her predecessor Dianne Rush Woods is retiring this summer after decades at the university, most recently spearheading the Department of Diversity, Leadership and Employee Wellness.

“Serving as the university’s first diversity officer, Dr. Dianne Rush Woods coordinated efforts to foster and support diversity, equity and inclusion as core values throughout all aspects of the university community,” Morishita said. “I thank her for her work in establishing the diversity and inclusion office and wish her well in her retirement.“