LaVar J. Charleston, PhD, is the vice chancellor for inclusive excellence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also serves as the Elzie Higginbottom director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA).

In his role as vice chancellor for inclusive excellence, Charleston provides overall leadership for the university’s efforts to create inclusive learning and working environments for all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and campus partners. Charleston collaborates with leadership across the university’s schools, colleges and divisions, as well as shared governance groups, to promote pluralism and inclusive excellence while fostering a sense of belonging within the UW–Madison community.

As director of the DDEEA, Charleston oversees transformative data-informed programs and services designed to empower students, faculty, and staff to flourish in a diverse and ever-changing world.

A first-generation college graduate and Badger alumnus from Detroit, Dr. Charleston earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the UW–Madison School of Education in 2007 and 2010.