Given that this study touched on the sensitive topic of diversity, very little research exist on the subject of chief diversity officers (CDOs), this research investigated the emergence of the CDO position within higher education. This qualitative study examined seven CDOs and their institutions in order to assess the impact these leaders are having on the campus culture at their institutions as multicultural educators. The CDOs at the institutions differed in how they ascended to that role, their titles, who they reported to, and areas of responsibilities. Some cited near perfect harmony among members of the campus community around diversity issues, while others had met with challenges. Additionally, the CDOs did experience some success with collaboration on diversity initiatives.