University of Colorado at Boulder Chancellor G. P. "Bud" Peterson today announced the formation of a search committee and the chair of the committee to fill the newly created position of vice chancellor for diversity, equity and community engagement for the campus.
"I want the hiring of this position to mark a new era in the history of the University of Colorado at Boulder," said Peterson. "I want this era to be characterized by a seamless approach to diversity wherein it is woven into all we are, all we do and all that we aspire to be," he said.
"With time, we will no longer be able to pinpoint where diversity begins and ends on the campus - it will be as regular a fixture of our work as orientation, finals and graduation," Peterson said.
"We are eager to begin this historic search," said Provost Phil DiStefano. "This new vice chancellor position will participate in policy discussions and work to ensure that diversity-related issues are key considerations in all budgetary, administrative, academic and governance decisions. It will be a leadership role. "
The vice chancellor for diversity, equity and community engagement is an officer position that reports through the provost/executive vice chancellor for academic affairs to the chancellor and sits on the chancellor's cabinet, advising him on all matters related to diversity. The vice chancellor will be responsible for engaging and leading faculty, staff, students and external campus constituencies in initiatives and programs that support diversity in all of its forms.
In addition, the new vice chancellor will work collaboratively with the deans, department chairs, senior level staff, student groups and the greater university community to develop, implement and assess strategies and programs designed to increase and enhance faculty, student and staff diversity. He or she also will develop outreach and partnership programs with local and state constituent groups to create a welcoming environment for all on the Boulder campus.
DiStefano said he hopes the committee will forward a set of finalists to Chancellor Peterson by April or May and that it is his intent as provost "to have a vice chancellor identified to the campus no later than July 1, 2007." James Williams, dean of the University of Colorado libraries, will head the search committee.
Other members serving on the committee are: Alex Cruz, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology; Deward Walker, professor of anthropology; Bud Coleman, professor and chair of theater and dance; Aswad Allen, director of Diversity Affairs, Leeds School of Business; Cynthia Donahue, director of Disability Services; Judy Poynter, assistant to the vice chancellor for student affairs; Mary Ann Sergeant, Office of Diversity and Equity; Samira Rajabi, student; Carmen Atilano, Office of Human Rights, City of Boulder; and Peter Steinhauer, regent emeritus.