When Rhonda Talford McClure ’96 accepted the role of Otterbein University’s chief inclusion officer, it felt less like a new beginning and more like a homecoming.
“It is a full-circle moment for me. I am returning home,” Talford McClure said.
She has more than 20 years of experience in equity and inclusion leadership, organizational culture transformation, and strategic partnership building. But she isn’t approaching her new role at Otterbein bringing all the answers — for now, she is focused on listening.
“Getting to relearn the very campus that included me in the ’90s” is among her top priorities during her first year, Talford McClure said. “I want to learn as much as I can from faculty, staff, students, parents and family members, and the community so I can support people in ways that make sense for them, their departments, the students we serve, and the communities we impact.”
As a cabinet-level leader, Talford McClure will coordinate efforts across the University to advance Otterbein’s Belonging Plan and foster a campus environment where all members of the community can thrive. She sees the work as one built almost entirely on collaboration.
“This will be the best part of this work,” she said. “Most everything, if not everything, will be accomplished through collaboration and partnerships with people across our beautiful campus.”
For Talford McClure, belonging is deeply personal. Reflecting on her own student experience at Otterbein, she remembers feeling empowered to share her perspective and participate fully in campus life.
“Belonging for me was being able to use my voice, speak up, and know that my perspective was going to be heard,” she said. “Not necessarily agreed upon, but heard.”
She also recognizes that belonging looks different for every student. “Today, my job is to learn what our students in 2026 need to feel like they belong,” she said. “Belonging is not one-size-fits-all. We all have different experiences and needs that lead us to belonging.”
As she settles into her new role, Talford McClure remains guided by the values that first took root during her time as a student.