Dr. Shawn S. Edwards is The Citadel’s first ever Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer, where she leads the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in support of the college’s mission, core values, and the Our Mighty Citadel 2026 strategic plan to create a learning and working environment that is inclusive and welcoming. She has been with the college since 2014 serviating as the Chief Diversity Officer.
Edwards holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Temple University, an MBA with a Human Resource Management concentration and a Graduate Certificate in College Teaching and Learning from Walden University, a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Webster University and an Associate of Arts in Fashion Merchandising from Bauder College. In addition, Edwards holds the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources, certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.
Edwards serves as a board member for Together SC and the YWCA of Greater Charleston, and an advisory board member for Palmetto Warrior Connection. She is also a member of the Diversity Council for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, a member of Explore Charleston’s Heart for Hospitality Advisory Board, and Chair of Temple University’s DBA Alumni Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board.
In addition to Edwards work as a mentor and community volunteer, she was a facilitator for the Charleston Illumination Project, a 2013 fellow of Furman University’s Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative, was recognized as one of the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s 2015 Forty Under 40, is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Charleston, a 2016 graduate of Leadership South Carolina, and was the recipient of the Fall 2017 Spirit of The Citadel Presidential Award. Edwards is also a member of the ministerial staff for Christian Praise & Worship Center in North Charleston.
Originally from Jersey City, New Jersey, Edwards resides in Charleston with her husband Derrick J. Edwards. Together they have five children and two grandchildren.
Degrees
AA, Bauder College
BA, Webster University
MBA, Walden University
Graduate Certificate, Walden University
DBA, Temple University