PRESS RELEASES

University of Illinois Searches for Chief Diversity Officer

CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 27. 2018 — The University of Illinois is in the midst of a national search for its first chief diversity officer.

An outside team recommended the position last year after reviewing all the university’s programs that promote diversity, the News-Gazette reported. The campus spends about $60 million to promote diversity and inclusion, the team’s report found.

But the current structure makes it difficult to see how money is prioritized, how programs are assessed or how units are held accountable, the review found. The review team recommended a more centralized structure to help diversity and inclusion efforts operate more smoothly.

“This is an important search,” Chancellor Robert Jones said of the new job. “We hope to have somebody who can help us think outside the box.”

The position will oversee a new cabinet-level Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, said Robin Kaler, a campus spokeswoman. The vice chancellor of that office will work to integrate wide-ranging efforts on campus to enhance diversity, equity, access and inclusion across the university.

“The Vice Chancellor will develop and lead a comprehensive and actionable campus diversity strategy that includes attention to recruitment, training, education, research, communication, policy, and governance at campus and unit levels,” the job notice said.

The new office will work with the provost on faculty diversity programs, graduate student mentoring and postdoctoral programs for women in STEM, the notice said.

The search committee is accepting applications until Thursday. James Anderson, dean of the College of Education, and Danita Brown Young, vice chancellor for student affairs, are leading the committee. The committee is also working with Florida-based Greenwood Asher executive search consultants.

About Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.

Established in 2004, Greenwood/Asher & Associates has earned the reputation of trusted partner for executive search, consulting and training with higher education and nonprofit organizations. Our highly capable consultants have completed over 2,000 searches with an average repeat client rate of 97%. Our references speak to the effectiveness of our branded search and consulting processes enhanced by our personalized and customized 24/7 customer service approach.

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Contact:
Rachel Childs
Executive Search Consultant
rachelchilds@greenwoodsearch.com

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