Ebony E. Lewis, EdD
Chief Strategy Officer
As Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Lewis leads initiatives and projects that advance the campus DEI strategic goals and oversees the Institute for Diversity, Equity and Advancement (IDEA). Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Lewis focuses on developing approaches to centralize initiatives and partnerships involving UC Davis’ existing and new recruitment, retention, and advancement programs and interventions that connect to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Under IDEA Dr. Lewis centralizes efforts to conduct DEI-related research, analyze metrics, scale promising practices, and broadly disseminate outcomes. Dr. Lewis works collaboratively with members of the division’s leadership team and serves as a strategic thought partner to the organization at large. Recognized as an influential leader, Dr. Lewis collaborates& with campus partners and external stakeholders to develop, refine and implement key focused initiatives.
Dr. Lewis has been with the University of California for over 20 years, most recently serving as Director of DEI Special Projects. Prior to joining DEI, she served as the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions in Enrollment Management at UC Davis. Before joining the Aggie family, Dr. Lewis was Associate Director of Admissions at UC Santa Cruz and has significant experience in college admissions, retention practices, and undergraduate DEI efforts.
Dr. Lewis holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the School of Education at UC Davis, a master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University Hayward, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Cruz.
Why I do DEI work
I am passionate about advancing efforts that make higher education more accessible and inclusive for scholars from marginalized communities. DEI work affords me the opportunity to create spaces where scholars can bring their full authentic selves and thrive.
Personal hashtag or motto
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!