Leadership changes in the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will help advance its work

Several strategic personnel changes in Pitt’s Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion will help advance the unit’s vital University work.

A two-time alumna, Veella R. Grooms (EDUC ’03G, ’22G) has returned to Pitt after serving as assistant dean of student affairs for civility initiatives at Carnegie Mellon University since 2021. She began at Pitt as assistant vice chancellor for equity and inclusion on Aug. 1. Grooms reports to Clyde Wilson Pickett, Pitt’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer.

“We are lucky to have her, and our community will be a better place with her service to the University,” Pickett said. “I’m looking forward to working beside her to further advance our efforts to make Pitt more inclusive.”

A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Grooms and her sister were the first generation of their family to graduate from college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling and rehabilitation at Marshall University in Huntington and began her career as a mental health counselor, case manager and family advocate, often working with young people, before transitioning into higher education as a counselor at Pitt, then as executive assistant to the president at West Virginia State University.

Grooms said her background has shown that equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility are keys to ensuring mental health and wellness for students, faculty and staff.

“Colleges and universities need to embrace inclusivity and create a sense of belonging for everyone,” Grooms said. “Oftentimes, if someone does not feel safe and secure in their environment, you can tell that they’re carrying that as a burden. They may be coping, but they don’t have security in their environment.”

That, she said, can lead poor academic outcomes for students, including being unable to complete their four-year degrees or leaving for other institutions.

“I often talk about creating ‘counter spaces’ for students — places where they can go to identify and interact with other students who have the same needs and share the same backgrounds,” Grooms said. “That’s a component of ensuring their mental wellness, and that’s part of being inclusive — providing that sense of belonging.”

At Carnegie Mellon, Grooms created and led a “civility initiative” to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to have meaningful interactions with one another.

In 2003, Grooms completed her master’s degree in education at the University of Pittsburgh, going on to earn her doctorate in 2022. Her thesis focused on social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I tried attending another institution for my doctorate, but didn’t find it as challenging academically, so I returned to Pitt,” she said. “I wanted an opportunity to learn and grow, and I felt the University of Pittsburgh gave me that opportunity.”

More personnel news from OEDI

Carrie Benson has also been named the director of sexual violence prevention and education in OEDI, effective immediately. In the newly created position, Benson will report directly to Pickett.

Benson most recently served as senior manager for prevention and education. She earned a master’s degree in education from Pitt and returned to the University as a Title IX specialist in May 2015 after serving as assistant director of campus life at Carlow University.

The decision to elevate Benson’s role to director level is another demonstration of the University’s commitment to preventing sexual- and gender-based violence on campus and providing a safe learning environment for everyone at Pitt, Pickett said.

“Carrie has demonstrated her willingness to tackle these extremely important, but challenging, issues, and with her leadership we’ve made tremendous strides in educating students, faculty and staff about the importance of understanding agency and consent, respecting boundaries and reporting and speaking out against violations,” Pickett said. “I am pleased to work with her and her team to advance their agenda at every level of the University.”

[Learn more: Benson’s efforts to reduce sexual misconduct and support survivors just earned $500,000 from Pitt Seed]

Benson said she’s excited about the new role and feels it’s a “privilege” to serve the Pitt community in this way.

“Everyone deserves safe, healthy and consensual relationships,” she said. “I look forward to working with the prevention team and the entire campus community, as we work to reduce sexual violence and better support survivors through dialogue-oriented prevention, expanding community and on-campus partnerships, and centering student voices.”

Additionally, Angie Bedford-Jack has been named interim director for strategic operations in OEDI.

Bedford-Jack came to Pitt in 2018 to work as digital accessibility coordinator and was later named director of digital equity and special projects in OEDI. She came to the University after working on digital accessibility and delivery of resources in the New York City Department of Education.

“Angie brings significant experience to this role and has a proven track record of success in moving forward significant projects and strategic initiatives at the University,” Pickett said. “Her service and support will be vital as we further advance an agenda of equity and inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh.”

— Jason Togyer, top photo by Aimee Obidzinski