Dr. Marsha Currin McGriff is an esteemed scholar and practitioner with over two decades of experience in advancing global competence and cultural intelligence within higher education. Her research delves deeply into the intersectionality of race and gender, particularly examining how these factors influence the viability of Black women as political candidates and leaders in American politics. Her dissertation, a qualitative phenomenological study, uncovered both the strengths and challenges faced by Black women in the political arena. Dr. McGriff identified positive themes such as a "Sense of Responsibility to Act," "Confidence, Belief, and Experience," and "Encouragement and Support," which underscore the unique contributions of Black women to political life. However, she also highlighted significant barriers, including "Lack of Respect," "Lack of Time and Energy," and "Lack of Financial Support," which impede their political success.)
Driven by her early passion for politics, which saw her run for political office in 2010 as a delegate to her party’s convention, Dr. McGriff's commitment to amplifying the role of Black women in politics was further solidified by the pivotal role they played in the 2008 and 2012 elections, where Black women outvoted all other race and gender subgroups. This realization reinforced her belief that Black women are the backbone of our society, quietly and not so quietly transforming the world around them for the betterment of us all.
Currently, Dr. McGriff serves as the Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her previous roles include Senior Advisor to the President and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Florida and Chief Diversity Officer at Ball State University. Throughout her career, she has earned eight national awards for her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion, including the 2024 Individual Leadership award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), the highest individual honor in her field.
Dr. McGriff earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tuskegee University and her Doctor of Education from Creighton University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading Stephen King and dystopian novels, playing tennis, and spending time with family and friends.
