B. Afeni McNeely Cobham

In 2023, Dr. B. Afeni McNeely Cobham began her tenure as the inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor and Vice Provost for EDIB. Her transition to Institutional Engagement was seamless as she brings comprehensive experience as a senior student affairs administrator, faculty member, curator and consultant.

In her current role, McNeely Cobham reports directly to the chancellor. She provides overall leadership, guidance and vision for fostering co-curricular innovation, student success, faculty and staff engagement, anticipatory advocacy, and a culture of belonging.

Originating from East New York, Brooklyn, McNeely Cobham's work has significantly impacted student service units in academic advising, residential life, judicial affairs, campus activities, career services, enrollment management, multicultural affairs and more. In 2022, she pioneered the launch of J.E.D.I. TIP (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), a consultant group that offers contemporary and authentic approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices that sustain organizational growth.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such a highly qualified and dynamic leader joining our team," expressed Chancellor Cole. "Afeni’s track record of success in propelling institutions forward is precisely what we need at UNCSA."

McNeely Cobham was the inaugural chief equity and inclusion officer at a community college in the Midwest, serving from 2018-22. Under her leadership, office-sponsored events featured some of the world’s most influential thought leaders.

Prior to her role at UNCSA, McNeely Cobham held key positions at various prestigious institutions. She served as an associate dean at Connecticut College, associate provost of student life and affiliate faculty at the University of Denver, and assistant dean at Brown University. Her extensive experience as a faculty member includes developing innovative co-curricular opportunities at Salem State University, Metropolitan State University (MSU) of Denver, Indiana University and Brown University, among others.

In 2010, she was the first faculty member at the University of Denver to teach a course on hip-hop culture, titled “The 21st Century Minstrel Showdown: Hip Hop Culture vs. Rap Music and the Commodification of Social Identities.” That same year, she transitioned to the Department of African American Studies at MSU Denver to amplify the course's work by curating the Sankofa Lecture Series, a hip-hop cultural literacy conference. While there, she embraced the “Dr. MC” moniker affectionately bestowed by students.

McNeely Cobham is a published author, award-winning practitioner, and formidable multimedia producer. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Order of the Eastern Star, and several academic honor societies.