Division of People & Culture

People & Culture
Leadership at EWU
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Meet the Vice President and Senior Diversity Officer

Portrait of Cesar PortilloTo strengthen our commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplace, EWU has established the Division of People and Culture, led by Cesar Portillo, Vice President for People and Culture and Senior Diversity Officer.

Vice President Portillo brings over 20 years of leadership experience in human resources, labor relations, and equity initiatives to this role. Most recently serving as Chief of Staff for EWU President Shari McMahan, he is dedicated to engaging in transformative efforts that improve recruitment, engagement, and employee satisfaction through a collaborative, data-informed approach. Vice President Portillo is a champion for faculty diversity, modernized recruitment, and launching impactful staff development programs.

As the Senior Diversity Officer, Vice President Portillo is a vital voice within the executive leadership team, ensuring university efforts continue to support and elevate every member of our campus community.

The Team Behind Our Workplace Culture

The People and Culture division unites four offices dedicated to building a thriving and inclusive workplace.

People & Talent

At EWU, the People & Talent team supports the employees who power our university. From inclusive hiring and onboarding to ongoing development and fair, flexible benefits, they help faculty and staff grow and thrive. Through engagement surveys, wellness programs, and collaborative labor relations, the team fosters a supportive workplace rooted in equity and respect, laying the foundation for a vibrant campus community where both employees and students succeed.

About People & Talent

Office of Employee Belonging, Development & Leadership

The Office of Employee Belonging, Development & Leadership is deeply committed to fostering a campus environment where every employee feels a strong sense of belonging, purpose, and connection. We recognize that excellence is achieved through meaningful engagement, intentional development, and empowered leadership at every level of our institution.

About EBDL

Office of Native American Affairs

Led by Director of Tribal Relations Cola Boyer, EWU’s Office of Native American Affairs builds strong, respectful partnerships with tribal nations, Urban Indian communities and Native organizations. In collaboration with the Tribal Nations Advisory Council, the office supports initiatives that honor sovereignty, promote self-determination, and enrich campus life. Native American Affairs ensures EWU’s work reflects tribal priorities and fosters opportunity for Native students and communities.

About Native American Affairs

Civil Rights

EWU’s Civil Rights & Compliance Office promotes a safe, inclusive campus by upholding laws such as Title IX, Title VII, and the ADA. The team provides fair investigations, training, and clear policies to prevent discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Through confidential support, education, and campus partnerships, they help every community member understand their rights and responsibilities, turning legal standards into everyday practices that support equity, accessibility and respect for all.

About the Office of Civil Rights

Centering Diversity at Every Level

At Eastern Washington University, the Division of People and Culture ensures that all individuals, regardless of background or identity, have the opportunity to thrive. Our approach goes beyond acknowledging differences to actively honoring them, creating systems that support equity and belonging. Through this work, we foster a campus where all voices are valued and inclusion shapes our shared future.

Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to inclusive excellence, shared accountability and a culture of belonging for all.

About Diversity at EWU

Strategic Plan Pillars

The 2024-2029 strategic plan focuses on four pillars.

Student Success and Student Experience

EWU will reshape institutional practices to improve enrollment (recruitment and retention), promote student success and close structural equity gaps.

Belonging Through Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Through the active engagement and continuous learning of students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as an unwavering commitment to equitable practices, Eastern Washington University will create an environment that fosters a sense of belonging, actively promotes and sustains equity, dismantles systemic barriers, and embraces the unique perspectives of all individuals.

Investing in Our People and Places

EWU fosters an equitable, sustainable and supportive physical and social environment that encourages the recruitment, retention and engagement of the EWU community.

Regional Anchor / Regional Impact

EWU will launch initiatives that focus on applied educational programming, interdisciplinary approaches, scholarly research, community engagement and athletic excellence. EWU will position its graduates to fill workforce needs and as pivotal contributors to regional needs, equity, and social and economic mobility. EWU will make its campus a model of sustainability through aggressive decarbonization and other initiatives that involve students, faculty and staff.

Division of People & Culture

Eastern Washington University
214 Showalter Hall
Cheney, WA 99004

E: peopleandculture@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2371

Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.