On Monday, Nov. 11, University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A., Ph.D. announced to the Villanova community that the University has appointed Ariella Robbins as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Her appointment to this role is effective immediately, following a national search conducted by a committee of faculty, staff, students and administrators. Robbins held the position of Interim VP for DEI since December of 2024, when her successor Terry Nance retired. Before this, she held the position of Assistant VP for DEI at the University.
Over the past seven years at Villanova, Robbins has collaborated with the Office of Human Resources and VISIBLE – an initiative to support DEI initiatives and empower academic leaders in the STEM field. Within this initiative, Robbins planned and facilitated the Hiring for Villanova’s Future training for employees on search committees. She also established the Employee Resource Groups on campus for faculty and staff. Additionally, Robbins was a key member in the Aequitas Task Force as well as the leader of the resulting Aequitas Committee, which aims to actively engage community members in DEI initiatives that benefit the entire Villanova community.
In the email to the Villanova community, Fr. Peter shared his excitement for Robbins’ undertaking of this role, commenting on the search process which revealed Robbins to be an extremely capable candidate.
“Our focus centered on finding an individual who believes in the Augustinian values and mission of our University, who understands the changing landscape of higher education and who will be a champion of equity and inclusion for all Villanovans,” Fr. Peter said. “Within an impressive group of applicants, Ariella quickly distinguished herself as a collaborative, passionate and energetic leader with the qualities and experience critical for this position. I look forward to working with Ariella.”
Additionally, search committee member senior Dean Millard commented on the search process to appoint Robbins and expressed his excitement to see her in this role.
“It was an honor to serve on the VP of DEI search committee,” Millard said. “The search was national and we initially narrowed the list down to 10 semi finalist candidates. After interviewing the semifinalists, we selected 4 finalists. The candidate pool was very competitive. I am very confident in Ms. Robbins in this position. I am excited to see her help lead the Villanova community.”
In this new role, Robbins will continue to work to expand institutional DEI goals and provide an equitable campus experience for the Villanova community.
“I am truly honored and excited for this new role and the opportunity to work closely with Father Peter and University leadership to continue Villanova’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Robbins said in a press release from the University. “As we continue to traverse an evolving landscape, it is important to remain steadfast in our commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all members thrive. The work of diversity, equity and inclusion empowers us to live out our Augustinian Catholic values of truth, unity and love each and every day.”
For more information on the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, please visit https://www1.villanova.edu/university/diversity-inclusion.html
