06/24/2026
SUNY Cortland has named Renee Wells as the university’s new chief diversity and inclusion officer.
As a key member of the President’s Cabinet, she will work with campus partners to implement best practices related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and help ensure policies reflect the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
Wells brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the role, which she begins on Thursday, July 2. She most recently served Queens University of Charlotte as its assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.
“Renee brings a unique skillset to Cortland, having started her higher education career in 2006 as an instructor of creative writing before taking on leadership roles focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum. “In all of her work, across multiple institutions, Renee has helped develop inclusive policies and practices while addressing barriers to access, equity and participation in campus life.”
As a collaborator, Wells has worked closely with hiring teams on equitable and inclusive search practices; supported the development of culturally responsive teaching, advising and mentoring practices; provided mediation to address conflicts in the workplace; facilitated restorative justice processes in response to power- and identity-based challenges; and advocated for disability access and inclusion.
Prior to Queens, she worked in progressive roles at Middlebury College from 2018 to 2024, eventually ascending to the role of assistant vice president of education for equity and inclusion. She also served as the director of the LGBTQ Pride Center at North Carolina State University and as the assistant director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan Technological University.
A frequent presenter, workshop facilitator and published author, Wells previously chaired the Accessibility in the Academy National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE) from 2023 to 2025. She earned a B.S. in education and B.A. in English from Auburn University; an M.A. in English from Miami University; and M.F.A. in creative writing from Southern Illinois University.
Lorraine Lopez-Janove, who served as the university’s chief diversity and inclusion officer for the past six years, will retire in July.
“Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging remain central to our mission at SUNY Cortland,” Bitterbaum said. “I am grateful that Renee will provide leadership and vision in these areas, and I hope you will join me in welcoming her to campus.”