University of Maryland Expands Office of Diversity & Inclusion Staff

The University of Maryland announces the hiring of two new staff members in its Office of Diversity & Inclusion (ODI). Carlton Green, Ph.D., has been appointed as Director of Diversity Training and Education, and Neijma Celestine-Donnor as the Program Manager for Hate/Bias Response. They begin their new positions on April 9 and April 20, respectively.

“As we anticipate the forthcoming findings and recommendations from the Joint Task Force, the Campus Climate Study, and the campus-wide external review of diversity and inclusion, these two highly qualified professionals will add critical skills and expertise to our institutional response,” said Dr. Roger L. Worthington, Chief Diversity Officer and interim associate provost.

As Director of Diversity Training and Education, Green will lead ODI's Diversity Training and Education programming that promotes, supports and develops inclusive excellence at UMD. In this role, Green will develop a cohesive strategy for diversity training and education; implement and lead campus-wide discourse programs and events focused on diversity and inclusion; and collaborate with units across campus to assist faculty to support inclusive curricula and approaches to teaching.

Green has more than 20 years of experience working in higher education across departments, including student activities, multicultural services, residence life, academic affairs, athletics and counseling services. He joins ODI from UMD’s Counseling Center. Green has received UMD’s Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award, as well as the Champion of Our Community Award by the LGBT Staff and Faculty Association. Green earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in counseling psychology from Boston College, and B.A. in ethnic studies and history from Southern Methodist University.

As Program Manager for Hate/Bias Response, Celestine-Donnor will lead and facilitate an interdisciplinary team of professionals providing support to individuals, groups and communities affected by hate and bias. In this role, Celestine-Donnor will develop and deliver targeted training, workshops and awareness events, as well as collaborate on educational and outreach efforts to prevent and mitigate incidents of hate and bias on campus.

Celestine-Donnor is an expert in trauma services, and has routinely served as a counselor, trainer, technical consultant, and speaker for multiple public agencies charged with the safety, health and welfare of Maryland communities. She has years of experience working with victims of crime, abuse and exploitation and is certified as a Victim Assistance Professional through the Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland. Celestine-Donnor holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social work supervisor. She also holds certificates in diversity management, project management and executive management from the Management and Strategy Institute.

These two positions have been added to the Office of Diversity & Inclusion amidst the university’s ongoing work to create a safe and inclusive campus for its entire community. In addition to longstanding programs on diversity, over the past year, the university has invested millions into new trainings and initiatives, including implementing a streamlined protocol for hate-bias incident response, rolling out a campus-wide climate survey, and launching the Center on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education. In addition, the university is comprehensively reviewing policies through a task force with the goal of shaping a more equitable, diverse and inclusive campus.