Nazareth’s VP for Advancement Darrell Bell honored for inclusion leadership

Nazareth’s Vice President for Advancement Darrell Bell is proud of his role in breaking down barriers and creating space for advancement professionals of color to have a voice. He was awarded the Charles A. Wright Opportunity and Inclusion Leadership Award from the Council of Advancement and Support of Education, or CASE, at their District II conference in New York City in March 2023. The award recognizes an advancement professional who displays leadership in fostering inclusion and diversity within the profession, on their campus, and/or in the surrounding community.  

Bell was nominated by his peers from higher education and independent schools, including Rutgers University and Rochester Institute of Technology. He was the first vice president of advancement of color in higher education in the greater Rochester area, first at Roberts Wesleyan University. He is also Nazareth’s first male vice president of color. 

He has created a voice and a space for advancement professionals of color to thrive and have a voice — breaking down barriers at predominantly white institutions, and creating and leading strategies to engage marginalized, diverse groups. 

Bell says the work has impact, and he’s proud of it, but there is more to be done. “We have come very far in the world of advancement and that was clear to me when I stood in a room of diverse advancement professionals at this latest CASE conference,” Bell said. “There were all levels of titles and life experiences reflected. When I first started in this field, you didn't find really any vice president or senior-level professionals of color.”

Bell is also a voice for younger diverse professionals and he enjoys mentoring them and giving them hope for the future of the profession. 

“Darrell not only opens doors, but he also brings others with him to the table,” said Aldi Priyanto ‘12, ‘19G, a diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist at ESL Federal Credit Union. “I met him at a time when I was at a crossroads professionally. He swept in to guide me selflessly, patiently, and full-heartedly. Darrell is many things: mentor, sponsor, leader, friend, trailblazer, and the glue that brings and holds together so many people.” 

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2023 April
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