Michele Minter will retire as vice provost for institutional equity and diversity

Michele Minter, who has led efforts to build a vibrant University community where all members are treated fairly and can thrive, will retire from her role as vice provost for institutional equity and diversity on May 7, 2027. 

Minter has led the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity in the Office of the Provost since 2011. Her office coordinates Princeton’s compliance with state and federal civil rights laws and works to realize the University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, nondiscrimination and access. Minter’s work has been integral to strategic University initiatives that support institutional excellence, inclusion, campus climate and sense of belonging. 

“Michele Minter’s expertise, professionalism, compassion, and sterling integrity have made her an exceptional vice provost and a leader on Princeton's campus,” President Christopher L. Eisgruber said. “I am grateful to her for handling a difficult job so well; she has enhanced this University in many ways, and she has been a wonderful colleague to me and to many others.”

Provost Jennifer Rexford said Minter “has left an indelible mark on Princeton’s approach to diversity, inclusion, access and nondiscrimination.” 

“I have greatly valued the wisdom, insight, and grace she has brought to her work, as well as her deep commitment to our campus community and to mentoring others in this important work,” Rexford said.

Minter said it’s been an honor to support the University’s “sustained commitments to community building and fairness” over the last 15 years. 

“It is a privilege to be part of an institution that takes its values so seriously,” Minter said. “Our commitments to diversity, inclusion and fair treatment strengthen Princeton’s excellence by fostering an environment where talented people from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the University’s teaching, learning, research and service missions.”

Minter said one of her most meaningful responsibilities has been helping to address individuals’ concerns while improving the overall campus climate for all members of the community. “Princeton’s people are extraordinary,” she said. “I’m constantly learning from colleagues, faculty, alumni and our students, and I’m inspired by the commitment of our campus community members to supporting each other.” 

Strengthening Princeton’s excellence while building a vibrant community

During her tenure, Minter has helped Princeton launch University-wide initiatives, academic and administrative programs, and student, staff and faculty resources to cultivate and sustain a more inclusive, equitable, accessible and safe campus community. Under her leadership, the University also implemented new policies and procedures related to nondiscrimination and has worked to ensure that all campus community members are free from bias and harassment, including launching a program specifically to address cyber harassment. 

The University has increased support for students and employees with disabilities through the Office of Disability Services, the AccessAbility Center and Human Resources. The University has also improved the physical accessibility of the campus and the digital accessibility of websites. 

Through the History and Sense of Place initiative coordinated by Minter’s office, Princeton has developed a more complete narrative of its history, including more diversified art and iconography and the dedication last fall of 12 spaces inside Prospect House for exemplary individuals who helped shape the University and the world through their achievements and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

In addition, Princeton has launched trainings and educational opportunities for students and staff related to climate, inclusion and equity, such as workshops on antisemitism and Islamophobia in the workplace, available to people of all faiths and ethnicities. 

The University has also expanded its work with college access programs for lower-income and first-generation students across the country, with Minter’s office supporting external partnerships with Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA), the Warrior-Scholar Project and the Santa Fe Indian School Leadership Institute. 

Helping to ensure Princeton’s commitments to fairness for all 

As vice provost for institutional equity and diversity, Minter has also served as the University’s chief compliance officer for state and federal laws and regulations related to bias, discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and individuals with disabilities, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Section 1557, Equal Employment Opportunity laws, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

In 2012, the University established its first independent office and first stand-alone policy focused on sexual misconduct under Title IX, which included new trainings and surveys for all students, faculty and staff in response to Title IX regulations. 

In addition, the University has expanded its collection and publication of climate data to help inform strategies and decision-making related to campus culture, as well as shared its ongoing work on inclusion and belonging, academic experience, and access and outreach through the annual Inclusive Princeton report. 

Prior to her appointment as vice provost at Princeton, Minter was vice president for development at the College Board. She has served on the board of trustees for the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, Princeton Theological Seminary, New Covenant Trust Co. and the Princeton Area Community Foundation.

Minter earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and has master’s degrees from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York and from Chicago Theological Seminary. 

Professor Frederick Wherry, vice dean for development and inclusion in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, will direct a national search for Minter’s successor. Wherry is the Townsend Martin, Class of 1917 Professor of Sociology.