Search Committee for UA Inclusivity Position Meets

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A 15-member search committee assisting The University of Alabama in hiring an executive to lead its inclusivity and equity efforts convened for its initial meeting last Friday.

“Our goal is to have this leadership position filled as quickly as possible, but with enough time as needed to find the best candidate for this important role,” said Dr. Kevin Whitaker, UA interim provost. “I appreciate the time and effort this committee is investing to ensure we find the right person to provide oversight and guidance and to assess our plans, programs and activities to enhance equity, inclusion and diversity on the campus.”

The committee, consisting of UA faculty, staff and students, is working with a search firm, the Desir Group.

Members of the committee are: Dr. Angela Benson, faculty, College of Education; Dr. Susan Carvalho, dean, UA Graduate School; Vanessa Goepel, assistant director, Office of Disability Services; Darrell Hargreaves, assistant director, University Recreation; Gorman Houston, director, campus ministries; Jamileh Beik Mohammadi, graduate student; Dr. Osiris Molina, faculty, College of Arts and Sciences; Shelby Norman, student; Dr. Pamela Payne-Foster, faculty, College of Community Health Sciences; Greg Singleton, director, Engineering Student Services; Rachel Thornton, student; Kirk Walter, assistant director, Office of Student Involvement; Juan Zavala Campos, facilities and grounds; Dr. Shuhua Zhou, faculty, College of Communication and Information Sciences; and Nancy Whitaker, associate vice president, Human Resources.

UA President Stuart R. Bell announced in November 2015 that a new diversity plan would become part of the University’s Strategic Planning Council work and that UA would begin assessing its current initiatives.

In an April meeting with faculty and staff, Bell announced the goals of the new strategic plan, including a primary goal to enrich the institution’s learning and work environment by providing an accepting, inclusive community that attracts and supports a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

UA commissioned research and consulting firm Halualani and Associates in March to begin a mapping study of the university’s current efforts related to equity, diversity and inclusion. The project, which is ongoing, is laying some groundwork for the new position by assessing the programs and courses already offered, as well as the progress being made on the campus and identifying opportunities for further growth.