As many of you know, we have recently had a vacancy in the role of Director of Diversity and Inclusion. While a great deal of good work has been done through that position, with every vacancy comes an opportunity to reevaluate a role.
I am forming an advisory committee to help redefine and elevate this position on campus. It is my belief that this role needs to work at the highest level of the institution in a collaborative position that can influence diversity and inclusion initiatives across campus. The advisory committee will include Student Affairs, Human Resources, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, faculty, staff, and student representation.
As the protesting continues in support of Black Lives Matter, our own students and alumni are coming forward with their personal stories of what they experienced at Chapman. It is important that we listen and make changes that will improve the culture and experience for students of color on our campuses. My goal is that this process creates a higher-level position than we have had in the past and brings to Chapman someone who can lead new changes.
Upon the completion of the advisory group’s work and their recommendation for this role, I will launch a national search to bring top candidates to campus. This inclusive process will allow the Chapman community to weigh in on this critical hire, at a time when travel restrictions are lifted, and we can meet candidates in person.
