Robinson selected as UA diversity provost
Jennifer Joyner
Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: News
In an effort to promote multiculturalism on campus, the UA is changing its approach and hiring a vice provost of diversity.
Charles Robinson, associate professor of history and director of the African American studies program at the UA, has accepted an appointment to fill this administrative role, effective July 1. He will serve on the chancellor's executive committee and will administer all universitywide efforts to enhance diversity, according to a press release.
"The UA has a commitment to increase the diversity of enrollment on campus," said Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations.
The vice provost of diversity at the UA is in charge of coordinating efforts of different bodies on campus and coming up with a program to promote multiculturalism.
"In the past, the UA has tried to increase diversity by creating an atmosphere that is more inclusive and is attractive to people with different backgrounds," Voorhies said. After five years of that approach, the UA is now focusing on enrolling and retaining students from different cultures. The UA is also focusing on diversity within the faculty and staff, Voorhies said.
"I want our diversity initiative to engage in a vibrant and proactive effort to recruit underrepresented racial and ethnic minority individuals to our faculty, staff and student body, as well as strengthen retention," said Chancellor G. David Gearhart in the press release. "In my judgment, the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students of color must be the centerpiece of our diversity efforts."
The goal is not just to grow the numbers of minorities at the university, but also to help people to be comfortable with multiculturalism. "I want diversity to be a part of the UA's DNA," Robinson said.
"In selecting Charles Robinson for this redefined, critical responsibility, we are adding an award-winning instructor and respected scholar in the area of race relations to a key leadership position," Gearhart said. "He will be a superlative chief diversity officer for the university."
Charles Robinson, associate professor of history and director of the African American studies program at the UA, has accepted an appointment to fill this administrative role, effective July 1. He will serve on the chancellor's executive committee and will administer all universitywide efforts to enhance diversity, according to a press release.
"The UA has a commitment to increase the diversity of enrollment on campus," said Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations.
The vice provost of diversity at the UA is in charge of coordinating efforts of different bodies on campus and coming up with a program to promote multiculturalism.
"In the past, the UA has tried to increase diversity by creating an atmosphere that is more inclusive and is attractive to people with different backgrounds," Voorhies said. After five years of that approach, the UA is now focusing on enrolling and retaining students from different cultures. The UA is also focusing on diversity within the faculty and staff, Voorhies said.
"I want our diversity initiative to engage in a vibrant and proactive effort to recruit underrepresented racial and ethnic minority individuals to our faculty, staff and student body, as well as strengthen retention," said Chancellor G. David Gearhart in the press release. "In my judgment, the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students of color must be the centerpiece of our diversity efforts."
The goal is not just to grow the numbers of minorities at the university, but also to help people to be comfortable with multiculturalism. "I want diversity to be a part of the UA's DNA," Robinson said.
"In selecting Charles Robinson for this redefined, critical responsibility, we are adding an award-winning instructor and respected scholar in the area of race relations to a key leadership position," Gearhart said. "He will be a superlative chief diversity officer for the university."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Josh
posted 4/01/09 @ 11:43 AM CST
"In my judgment, the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students of color must be the centerpiece of our diversity efforts." -- Gearhart
This is one of the most despicable statements I have ever seen attached to the chancellor's name. (Continued…)
naffel
posted 4/01/09 @ 3:16 PM CST
Indeed, Josh. Indeed.
There should be no concern beyond; is this person the best suited to do the job.
If said person demands too high of pay, then they aren't best suited. (Continued…)
Bob Tiberius
Jeremy
posted 4/01/09 @ 5:32 PM CST
How dare you Josh? You filthy racist. You want to suppress minorities and keep them from financial success. Why don't you just drag them from the back of your truck?
Choosing your students on the basis of race strikes at the very heart of racism. (Continued…)
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