Published: May 12, 2021

A campus search committee has identified three candidates for the new senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion position. The three candidates are: 

  • Dr. Sonia DeLuca Fernández, associate vice provost, Office of Educational Equity, the Pennsylvania State University
  • Dr. Raechele L. Pope, associate dean for faculty and student affairs and chief diversity officer, Graduate School of Education, University at Buffalo
  • Dr. Michelle J. Manno, assistant vice provost of diversity initiatives, Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, University of Illinois at Chicago

Community members are invited to attend virtual open sessions for students, faculty and staff to meet each finalist May 17–June 3.

The position of the senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion will provide the strategic direction for campuswide initiatives and programs related to DEI and improving campus culture. The position will report directly to Chancellor Philip DiStefano. 

“I want to thank the committee and its chair, Dean of Education Kathy Schultz, for delivering to us three such accomplished leaders,” DiStefano said. “I look forward to their campus open sessions and to hearing the input of the campus community on each candidate.” 

DiStefano said the goal is to compile input on the candidates and announce an appointee by mid-June, with the SVC for DEI beginning work in the fall semester.

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Faculty Sessions

Staff Sessions

Students Sessions