Mouhamadou B. Diagne

Mouhamadou B. Diagne is an experienced higher education administrator, with deep skills and expertise in recruiting talented and diverse students and supporting their emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth at a range of institutions. Although he had no familiarity with the English language when he immigrated to the US at a young age, his love of learning and motivation to succeed led him to gain fluency in a few months and rise to the top of his classes throughout middle and high school. He became one of 70 high school students selected for the prestigious Posse Foundation Leadership Scholarship that year, allowing him to study at Carleton College tuition free.

After earning his bachelor’s in psychology and educational studies and then a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, Mouhamadou broke ground as the first Muslim to serve as a general university chaplain role at an ivy league school when he was appointed Assistant Chaplain at Columbia University. He then became Bucknell University's first-ever Muslim chaplain. In these progressive roles, Mouhamadou managed the entire life cycle of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and policies to help not only Muslims, but individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences thrive, have a strong sense of belonging at these respective institutions thrive and achieve academic and professional success. Following his outstanding and highly praised work that yielded an increase in enrollment and quality of engagement of the Muslim populations at each institution, Mouhamadou transitioned to a career in admissions and was also elected to the board of the Association of Muslim Chaplains.

As an admissions counselor at the University of Southern Maine, Mouhamadou helped make history by matriculating the largest class from his out-of-state territory in years. Most recently, he was originating the Student Affairs and Admissions Manager position at Boston Islamic Seminary. He currently lives in South Portland.