Dr. Bruce Smith joined Portland State University as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in August 2026.
Smith brings more than two decades of experience in inclusive leadership in the private and public sectors, and within K-12 and higher education. Prior to PSU, he served as a Program Manager at TriMet where he designed and led the implementation of its first Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access initiative and cultivated community relationships. He has also held impactful roles at small colleges and flagship institutions across California, Arizona, Colorado and Oregon, where he was the Dean of Students at Reed College.
In his role, Smith will focus on developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to advance a culture of fairness, belonging and respectful dialogue across the PSU community. He will serve as a principal advisor to the President and senior leadership on all matters related to fostering a campus culture where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered to thrive.
Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Civilization from Brown University; a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Southern California; and a Ph.D. in Education in Language, Literacy & Culture from UC Berkeley. He is certified in Project Management and Restorative Justice, and as a Crucial Conversations Facilitator.