Share this Story
Virginia Wesleyan University Announces Dr. Janice Underwood as Keynote Speaker for Winter Commencement
Renowned Diversity Advocate to Inspire Virginia Wesleyan Graduates at Graduation Ceremony
University News | October 6, 2023
Virginia Wesleyan University is pleased to announce that Dr. Janice Underwood, former Commonwealth of Virginia Chief Diversity Officer and current Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) for the Biden Administration, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Winter Commencement ceremony to be held on December 16th at 10 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the prestigious Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. 
In making the announcement, Dr. Scott D. Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University, commented, "We are honored to welcome Dr. Janice Underwood as our Winter Commencement keynote speaker. Her dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is an inspiration, and her insights will undoubtedly empower our graduates as they embark on their own journeys of excellence."
Dr. Underwood's remarkable career and outstanding contributions to the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) make her a highly distinguished choice as the keynote speaker. Currently serving as the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) within the Biden-Harris administration, Dr. Underwood plays a pivotal role in advancing the government-wide DEIA initiative established by Executive Order #14035.
Throughout her career, Dr. Underwood has exemplified her commitment to making structural inequity visible in government and education sectors. Her extensive background includes roles as a state official, a university administrator, teacher educator, researcher, and national board-certified special education science teacher, all of which have contributed to her expertise in DEI.
Dr. Underwood's contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and publications in prominent journals, acknowledging her outstanding efforts in advancing equity and justice. Her groundbreaking work as the inaugural Virginia Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDO) to Governor Ralph Northam established a precedent both within the Commonwealth and nationally.
Notably, during her tenure as Virginia CDO, Dr. Underwood led the development and implementation of the ONE Virginia Plan, a groundbreaking statewide DEI strategy involving over 100 agencies. She also spearheaded the Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Taskforce, setting an example for other states and local governments in responding to the pandemic with equity in mind.
Dr. Underwood's educational journey is equally impressive, with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Psychology and Behavior/Learning Disorders from Hampton University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Old Dominion University, focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy in STEM-H fields and public education.