Clemson University is advancing its commitment to inclusive excellence with an emphasis on education. Moryah Jackson will lead the effort as director of diversity education in the Office of Inclusion and Equity.

Jackson will promote and enhance cultural competencies across the university community with the design and implementation of training modules, workshops, presentations, programs and services that foster effective, inclusive pedagogy and learning environments.

“I hope to help build a community that demonstrates how experiences with, and appreciation for, diversity will contribute to students’ intellectual and cognitive development,” Jackson said. “As the director of diversity education, I will work to bring everyone into the definition of diversity.”

Jackson said she hopes to demonstrate, through education, how differences in culture, knowledge, experience, perception, ideology, religion, ability, race, gender, generation, sexual orientation and geographic orientation impact lives.

“We can leverage these differences in support of common goals,” she said.

Jackson will collaborate with administrative offices, colleges and departments to develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary communities of practice with an expected end goal of integrating and achieving sustainable diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“Moryah Jackson is the right person at the right time for Clemson University and the Office of Inclusion and Equity,” said Lee Gill, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president on inclusive excellence. “As director of diversity education — one of only a handful in the nation — she will work closely with Clemson’s administration, faculty, staff and students to promote inclusive education and global competence.”

Jackson understands the weight of responsibility that comes with her new position. She is not naïve about the challenges facing universities and higher learning institutions across the country.

“Transitioning into this new role, I know that the work of diversity and inclusion brings unintended blind spots, moments of vulnerability and opportunities for continued improvement,” Jackson said. “Diversity and inclusion is not instantaneous, nor is it easy. It’s a progression of small, medium and large advancements that incrementally improve culture and understanding.”

Jackson is the assistant director of diversity, inclusion and community engagement at the University of South Carolina. Her first day on the job at Clemson is April 2.

“Moryah’s talent, fresh insights and energy will enhance an already strong Clemson team,” Gill said.

“I’m bringing to Clemson University a relentlessness to look for and bring out the best in people as we explore issues of diversity and inclusion,” Jackson said.

Recognized by The State newspaper in Columbia as a “20 under 40” leader, Jackson is working on a doctorate of higher education administration at the University of Florida. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Carolina and Bachelor of Arts in public affairs from Columbia College.