On Feb. 19, Tulane University President Michael Fitts announced that Carolyn Barber-Pierre, a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion, will assume the role of senior advisor within the Office of the Provost, effective July 1 of this year. Her tenure as assistant vice president for Student Affairs and Multicultural Affairs has been marked by the development of programs and services that advocate for underrepresented populations on campus.
Since joining Tulane in 1984 as the director of special services, this new appointment recognizes four decades of unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive environment at Tulane. In 1987, she established the Office of Minority Affairs, now called the Office of Multicultural Affairs, laying the foundation for what would become the Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life.
In her new role as senior advisor, Barber-Pierre will collaborate with senior university leadership, the Tulane Alumni Association, the Department of Advancement, the Office of Study Abroad, Tulane Career Services and other units to support students throughout their academic and professional journeys.
She expressed enthusiasm about this new role. Barber-Pierre said she has developed programs and advocated for the underrepresented populations on campus throughout her time at Tulane.
Now, she looks forward to expanding that impact. “I have the opportunity to think about how we develop an advisory board, how we do fundraising for our students, and how we create mentorship programs with alumni,” Barber-Pierre said.
Junior Jancy Suber, a double major in political science and Africana studies, said Barber-Pierre is a powerful advocate for students, particularly students of color at Tulane.
“[Barber-Pierre] is a mentor to me. She has been a professor for me. I have studied abroad with her. She feels like another mom to me,” Suber said.
“She has the best interest of students at heart,” Suber said, pointing to initiatives like Wednesdays with the O and Treat Yourself Thursdays, which foster community and support. Suber added that Barber-Pierre “has been at the forefront of advocating for Black students, students of color, and first-generation students.”
Barber-Pierre also highlighted her ongoing involvement with the Tulane History Project, emphasizing the importance of narrating the university’s evolution and racial history.
Reflecting on the current climate surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, Barber-Pierre recognized ongoing challenges, particularly with the “constant attacks on DEI.”
Barber-Pierre said that during her years at Tulane, under Fitts’ leadership, she has witnessed a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, including the hiring of a chief diversity officer, the creation of a university-wide diversity strategic plan and efforts to highlight the achievements of all.
“I’ve seen tremendous change in people’s understanding of how we may be different, but more importantly, how we are the same, and how we can create an environment that’s inclusive for everyone,” Barber-Pierre said.
“It is also very commendable to note that she is a Black female serving in this role,” Suber said. In Suber’s experience, Black faculty and staff at Tulane play a crucial role in shaping students’ experiences by providing examples of leadership and success.
Beyond representation, Barber-Pierre has shaped the campus experience through the Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life, which Suber described as a space that directly serves marginalized students.
