Chief Diversity Officers Report Stress Amid Shifting Roles

Chief diversity officers find their work has gotten harder and more stressful over the past two years, according to a new national survey by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.

The survey results, published Tuesday, are based on responses from 394 chief and academic diversity officers in February 2025.

At the time of the survey, 52 percent of respondents said their budgets hadn’t changed over the last two years. And among those who reported budget changes, a little over half said their budgets had increased due to new positions, expanded programs and other initiatives. The remaining 48 percent who reported budget cuts described via write-in responses reductions ranging from 10 percent to 60 percent or funding freezes due to institutional budget deficits, enrollment declines or federal and state anti-DEI policies. Salaries remained consistent with 2023 survey results.

About 68 percent of respondents reported their jobs were less predictable than two years ago; 87 percent found their work more stressful, and 77 percent reported their jobs were more upsetting. The vast majority of diversity officers—91 percent—identified the political climate as the greatest challenge to DEI work on campuses. Students’ and employees’ mental health and crisis management also rose to the top of their concerns.

About 31 percent of respondents said their roles have changed in the past two years, with write-in responses about promotions, demotions, title changes and expanding responsibilities related to student success, human resources, Title IX and other campus functions. About 29 percent reported their DEI offices had been reorganized.