Matthew Grimes

Matthew J. Grimes is vice president for equity and inclusion at Smith College, leading that office and overseeing the development and implementation of strategies that advance equity, access, and belonging across the institution. A member of the president’s executive team, he serves as a strategic adviser to the president, board of trustees, and campus leadership, helping to align institutional priorities with Smith’s mission and longstanding commitment to inclusivity. Grimes joined Smith in 2026 from the Cleveland Guardians Major League Baseball organization, and he brings more than a decade of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including leadership roles in public education. A nationally recognized equity and inclusion leader, Grimes holds a master’s degree in education policy and leadership from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and race and ethnic studies from Siena University. He is also a doctoral candidate at Kent State University, where his research focuses on connection and belonging in organizations.