Dear Members of the Campus Community,
As you are aware, the role of chief diversity officer was vacated in August and Professor Ariela Tubert has been graciously serving in an interim role as we consider the best way forward to advance Puget Sound’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
After considering Puget Sound’s opportunities for growth in our commitment to diversity and inclusion, hearing advice and recommendations from our campus community, and reviewing best practices at other institutions, I proposed last week to our board of trustees that we 1) elevate the chief diversity officer position to a vice president for diversity and inclusion and 2) better focus the role by staffing the responsibilities for harassment and discrimination education and complaints (inclusive of Title IX) outside the scope of this position. I believe this will better support the high priority that we must place on increasing diversity and inclusion, improve and clarify our processes, and help us more fully realize the goals of our Diversity Strategic Plan.
The creation of any vice president position requires consultation with and endorsement by the board of trustees. I am pleased to report that they enthusiastically approved the above recommendation. This Cabinet-level position will report directly to me as president, serve as the institution’s chief diversity officer, and elevate our commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus. We will conduct a national search inclusive of campus input and the appointment of a search committee later this fall.
I look forward to sharing more information soon about next steps to advance our important work in creating a campus that is diverse, inclusive, and free from harassment and discrimination.
Sincerely,
Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President