Dr. Arnita Walls has more than 25 years of leadership experience across higher education and mission-driven organizations, focused on advancing inclusive excellence, strengthening institutional equity and building strong, accountable organizations.
She has held senior leadership roles at institutions across the country, including Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX at Brandeis University; Interim Chief Diversity Officer and Interim Dean of Student Affairs at Luther Seminary, where she also served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator; Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Employee and Equity Relations at Saint Mary’s College; and Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Employee Training and Development at North Park University. She also served as Director of Human Resources and Employee Development at Summit Academy OIC and as an adjunct professor at Triton College.
Throughout her career, Dr. Walls has partnered closely with presidents, cabinet leaders and governing boards to align equity, compliance and culture with institutional strategy. Her work is grounded in translating values into practice. She brings deep experience in civil rights and Title IX coordination, affirmative action planning, organizational climate and leadership advising. Just as importantly, she is known for engaging stakeholders in thoughtful, candid dialogue and helping institutions navigate change with clarity and integrity.
Dr. Walls holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, an M.S. in Human Resource Management and Development and a B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
