Campus • Culture • Community • Connection
Dr. Shari Clarke, Vice President for Diversity & Senior Diversity Officer
Dr. Shari Clarke, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is a nationally recognized award-winning diversity educator with over 25 years of expertise. She currently serves as the inaugural Vice President for Diversity & Chief Diversity Officer at Eastern Washington University.
Dr. Clarke states she is committed to providing voice and visibility to individuals and groups who have historically been overlooked and not included at the table. An avid writer, she has written multiple think pieces and articles including how Twilight Teaches Cultural Diversity based on the popular Twilight vampire series. In addition, Clarke has authored successful diversity strategic plans for multiple higher education institutions, the City of Spokane and State of Ohio Rehabilitation & Corrections Office.
Dr. Clarke is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Spokane, the GSI Education & Talent Committee, and formerly served on the City of Spokane Mayor’s Advisory Council. She is also the recipient of an honorary commandership based on leadership from Fairchild Airforce Base.
Dr. Clarke holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska, an MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and a BA in Sociology from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Dr. Clarke is a passionate and highly sought orator on issues of Diversity Equity & Inclusion.
Dr. Clarke and her husband are the parents of two sons: Austin, a graduate of Marshall University, and Iain, who attends Northern Illinois University. She is Bonus Mom to Gina & John. Dr. Clarke describes herself as an avid Jazzerciser, and a Power Shopper! Clarke is a lover of all things Hamilton (the musical), Barbara Streisand, and a former Hoop Mom!
Our Commitment to Diversity
At Eastern Washington University, we
are committed to a campus climate that
welcomes and respects diversity. These
efforts are championed by our campus
leadership and the Office for Diversity
and Inclusion. EWU is a microcosm of
society reflecting diversity of people,
ideas, beliefs and philosophies.
Eastern Washington University is
located in the city of Cheney, WA, a
thriving small town community located
17 miles southwest of Spokane. The
Cheney community provides a rural,
family friendly atmosphere and home to
its EWU Eagles.
Nearby Spokane, WA, is the financial,
cultural and retail center for a large area
of Washington, Idaho and Western
Montana known as the Inland
Northwest. Spokane, the 2nd largest city
in the state of Washington, lives up to
its tagline, “Near Nature, Near Perfect.”
The Spokane-Cheney area offers the
benefits of residing in a metropolitan
area, including a rich arts and culture
scene, with nearby opportunities for
small town living.
