Dr. MarTeze Hammonds

Dr. MarTeze Hammonds is a social justice advocate, executive consultant, student affairs professional, educator and motivational speaker. Dr. Hammonds currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) of Purdue University Fort Wayne. As the university’s inaugural CDO appointed in 2020, Hammonds has worked to establish best practices in fostering a positive culture and advancing institutional responsibilities for achieving strategic goals relating to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion.

Hammonds is also the founder and principal consultant of MDH Consulting, a firm specializing in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training, coaching and advisory services in corporate, governmental and non-profit sectors.

Most recently, Hammonds served as a senior consultant for diversity and inclusion at the American Cancer Society headquarters in Atlanta. Prior to that role, Hammonds worked in cooperate leadership at the global headquarters of the InterContinental Hotel Group. He previously held leadership posts in higher education, including Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Arkansas Tech University and Assistant Dean of Students for Retention and Academic Engagement at the College of Wooster.

A Murray, Kentucky native, Dr. Hammonds is a graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre and Dance, a Master of Science in Organizational Communication and a Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership. Dr. Hammonds earned his Educational Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

Dr. Hammonds has traveled the world as a motivational speaker and guest lecturer. His passion for equity, social justice and education has brought him to the halls of Congress, college campuses and the board room of leading Fortune 500 companies.

A lifelong servant leader and change agent, Hammonds has dedicated time and resources to causes such as the Special Olympics and Congressional Award Foundation. Most recently he hosted a national podcast series highlighting the achievements of young Americans.

Throughout his work in higher education, Dr. Hammonds has earned many awards and honors. Most notably, Dr. Hammonds’ hometown of Murray, Kentucky proclaimed on May 25, 2012, that May 25 of every year will be forever known as Dr. MarTeze D. Hammonds Day in recognition of young role models.