Hollins University has named Dina Hackley-Hunt executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She is responsible for advancing the mission of Hollins by fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence that reflects the university’s identity and creates a just community.
“This position advances the university’s commitment to DEI by promoting and supporting academic integration, development, and resilience for students and community for all campus constituents,” said Vice President for Student Success, Well-being, and Belonging Nakeshia Williams.
Hackley-Hunt comes to Hollins from Sexual Assault Awareness and Response (SARA) in Roanoke, where she served as director of education and outreach. Her responsibilities at SARA included developing and facilitating sexual violence awareness programs and building and strengthening relationships with community leaders, organizations, and groups. She is also a trainer and consultant with Catalyst Training and Consulting, where she conducts training and education sessions for various agencies, colleges, and companies on topics such as cultural competence, implicit bias, personal development, effective communication, stress management, character development, and interpersonal skill development.
From 2014 to 2018, Hackley-Hunt was the owner and director of Little Champions Learning Academy, where she led operations and activities to provide age-appropriate instruction and care for children. Prior to that, she spent nearly seven years as manager for training and staff development at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, where she planned, coordinated, and facilitated training to ensure compliance with various state and federal licensure requirements.
In October 2022, Hackley-Hunt was appointed to the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. She is a member of the New Horizons Healthcare Board and Youth Services Citizens Board and is a study circle facilitator and committee member for Points of Diversity and a cultural advisor for the Lampstand.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and speech communications from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and completed her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Hollins.
Hackley-Hunt officially began her duties as Hollins’ executive director of DEI on March 8.
