Otterbein University Names New Chief Inclusion Officer

Otterbein University has chosen Dr. Rhonda Talford McClure as its new Chief Inclusion Officer. The Chief Inclusion Officer is a cabinet-level position that coordinates efforts happening across campus, working collaboratively to develop and facilitate the implementation of an inclusion plan that touches every office and function — from how the University supports students and hires employees to how it builds and strengthens community partnerships.

Talford McClure has more than 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership, organizational culture transformation, and strategic partnerships. Her journey began at Otterbein, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1996; she credits the University with nurturing the values of purpose, service, and integrity that she still carries with her. 

“It is a full-circle moment for me — I am returning home,” said Talford McClure. “Grounded in strong values from home, my Otterbein experience strengthened that foundation and helped shape my journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community that has contributed so meaningfully to my growth. Guided by the belief that ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’ I approach this role with a deep sense of responsibility and accountability, and I look forward to working with our campus community to drive meaningful, measurable progress. I am honored to serve.” 

“We are fortunate to welcome Dr. Rhonda Talford McClure back to her alma mater,” said President John Comerford. “She has a wealth of experience collaborating across organizations, bringing together stakeholders from every division at every level, and developing and implementing strategic plans for inclusion and belonging in which everyone feels represented. She also has experience creating assessment and evaluation tools to measure progress with data and metrics. This unique combination of skills is exactly what Otterbein needs, and we found it in an Otterbein graduate.” 

As CIO, Talford McClure will be responsible for developing a diversity and inclusion strategic plan that will create a campus culture that attracts and retains a diverse workforce and student body. She will partner with many people and divisions on campus, including faculty and academic leaders to ensure the curriculum allows students to encounter and consider different cultures and perspectives; Student Affairs and the Office of Social Justice and Advocacy to identify and respond to student needs and concerns about campus inclusiveness; Human Resources and search committees to support Otterbein’s efforts to hire faculty and staff that reflect the diversity of our student body and retain those who improve our culture of welcoming and exploration; and many others.  

Talford McClure will also lead Otterbein’s Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center, which was established in 2020 as the first in Ohio and works to dismantle systemic racism and foster healing. 

“I am excited to build on Otterbein’s strong foundation. This work is where ‘the rubber meets the road,’ turning insight into action and meaningful impact for our community,” she added. 

Externally, she will oversee outreach and engagement with community partners. Talford McClure will connect with school districts and non-profits working with young people to develop enrollment pipelines that widen access to Otterbein, and build relationships with employers eager to hire, develop, and retain their own inclusive workforce, allowing for opportunities for Otterbein students and revenue as Otterbein supports the companies’ culture-building through training, assessments, and other resources.  

“Returning home to Otterbein University brings both deep gratitude and a clear sense of responsibility. I am energized by the opportunity ahead and committed to getting this work right through intentional action, accountability, and measurable impact. In partnership with our campus community and external collaborators, we have an opportunity to strengthen culture internally while extending Otterbein’s impact in meaningful ways beyond campus to create a meaningful and lasting legacy that prepares our community for what’s ahead,” Talford McClure said.

About Dr. Rhonda Talford McClure: 

Rhonda Talford McClure has served as chief DEI officer for Bricker Graydon Wyatt, LLP, a Columbus-based law firm with national reach, and vice president, inclusion for Huntington National Bank. She has also worked with a range of companies, from Fortune 500s to startups, public, private and nonprofit, nationally and internationally, through The Knight Consulting Group, LLC, which McClure founded in 2000.  

Currently serving as CEO and lead cultural advisor for The Knight Consulting Group, Talford McClure is focused on closing gaps for underrepresented populations and creating spaces of equity and inclusion. In her work, she finds great meaning in being able to coach and support her clients to develop sustainable DEI practices through strategy that reaches across their organization, measuring success with a data- and metrics-based approach. 

Talford McClure began her career as an educator, teaching middle school students in Columbus City Schools, and has continued to teach at the university level throughout her career. She has been a visiting professor at Ohio University, assistant professor at Muskingum University, adjunct instructor at Capital University, and guest lecturer at Otterbein. 

Recognized nationally and internationally for her work, Talford McClure was honored as a Woman WELDing the Way by WELD USA in 2024, received the Alumni Pacesetter Award from Otterbein in 2019, and was named one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching in 2018. Her agency, The Knight Consulting Group, LLC, was the National Association for Multicultural Education Agency of the Year in 2014. 

Talford McClure is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Jack & Jill of America, Inc.; National Association of Multicultural Education; Otterbein University President’s Advisory Council on Race; and Cancer United. She also volunteers with Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland; HDI, Columbus Chapter; and Women in Technology International. 

In addition to graduating from Otterbein, she is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University, with a doctoral degree in social studies and global education with a focus on cultural competency and technology, and a master’s degree in education.  

Talford McClure resides in Canal Winchester with her two daughters, who are at university. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, golf, and family game nights.