Spranger Named to Notable BIPOC Executive List

In less than 18 months, Angela Spranger, senior diversity officer, is making an impact at the school and in the community.

For her efforts, Spranger was named Monday as a Twin Cities Business 2023 Notable BIPOC Executive. 

“This distinction is meaningful to me on a personal level but also reflects on the dedicated faculty, staff, student, alumni, and volunteer leaders I have the pleasure of working with,” says Spranger. “I came here with a foundation of effort in place and a commitment from then-Dean Sri Zaheer. I am proud of what we’ve achieved since I arrived. We’re continuing to tackle big initiatives and with Dean Prenkert’s leadership, we’ll continue to move business, and our business school, forward toward inclusive excellence.”

To qualify for this list, individuals must self-identify as BIPOC, be serving in a C-suite or senior-level role in Minnesota, have at least five years of experience in their current industry, and have shown the ability to create significant, positive, and measurable results in their field.

Spranger was one of 31 leaders named to the list.

Spranger is the inaugural senior diversity officer for the Carlson School and the founding director of the Center for Inclusive Excellence. Within the school, she works to shift the culture to encourage and deepen a sense of belonging for students, faculty, and staff. In the community, she provides leadership and support through consulting, convening, and collaborating with regional partners to promote inclusive excellence.

“Earning a spot on this list early in her role recognizes Angela’s consistent commitment to connecting the Carlson School with our broader community,” says Carlson School Dean Jamie Prenkert. “She is out and about as much as any of our staff members. As a result, she is establishing mutually beneficial relationships and connections for us and those in the region who are working every day to create a more inclusive environment for all.”

Before coming to the Carlson School, Spranger served as the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer in the Office of the President at  Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Virginia for two years. Prior to that position, she was an assistant professor at CNU’s Luter School of Business, where she taught management and marketing courses.

Spranger previously was honored earlier this year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as one of the 200 Black leaders to know in the Twin Cities region.