Keisha Jimmerson left her home in Virginia in 1993 to pursue a communications degree at Seton Hill University.

Now an employee of the university for 25 years, Jimmerson said she has stayed because of the people who have shown her grace — inside and outside of the classroom.

“There’s something I just can’t quite articulate about Seton Hill,” Jimmerson said. “There were people who looked out for me and made sure I was OK.”

Promoted to dean of students and diversity officer earlier this month, Jimmerson hopes to care for students in the way she was cared for 30 years ago.

“If I wasn’t student-facing, if I didn’t have interactions with students … I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be in this role,” said Jimmerson, 47, of Jeannette. “That’s what I’m going to take with me.”

Jimmerson has held a variety of jobs at the university since graduating in 1997, including admissions counselor, assistant director of residence life and, most recently, associate dean of students for diversity, inclusion and international student services.

Jimmerson succeeds Momodu C. Taylor, who was appointed to the position in July 2021. He later transitioned to a different role before parting ways with the university, said director of communications and media relations Jennifer Reeger.

Rosalie Carpenter, Seton Hill University’s vice president for student affairs and athletics, said in a statement that Jimmerson prioritizes engagement with students.

“Keisha Jimmerson’s care and concern for students is evident in all that she has done during her time at Seton Hill,” Carpenter said. “She keeps students at the center of her work and is committed to diversity and inclusion efforts in upholding the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching.”

Mirroring this sentiment, President Mary Finger described Jimmerson in a statement as an “outstanding professional” who shows a “deep commitment to (the university’s) students from all backgrounds.”

The 2019 recipient of the YWCA Westmoreland Racial Justice Award, Jimmerson hopes to continue bringing her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion to her new role.

The Racial Justice Award has been given by the YWCA’s Racial Justice Committee since 1993 to an individual or group who demonstrates commitment to racial equity and inclusiveness. The YWCA seeks to eliminate racial discrimination and empower women.

The key to practicing diversity, equity and inclusion at a university, Jimmerson said, is building connections with students and listening to their stories.

“I think sometimes people get hung up on that diversity officer part of the job. It’s just exposing people to other perspectives and life journeys,” Jimmerson said. “I think that’s what makes the college experience so robust.”

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