The Diversity Center and Office of Multicultural Student Programs and Services make it a mission and overall goal to provide leadership for positive and equitable change that creates a welcoming and supportive environment for Gustavus students, faculty and staff. The Diversity Center urges everyone to become involved in generating a positive atmosphere that is accepting and appreciative for difference.
Since the Diversity Center has various multicultural programs and services that aim to foster a sense of community and belonging for the Gustavus Students, it is ideal to have some sort of a Director in place to supervise and prioritize the Diversity Center’s projects and work.
“We are looking for someone who brings experience and expertise to our campus conversation. Someone who is passionate about supporting diverse students and who is excited to take the college to the next level”
—JoNes VanHecke
Over the past month, Gustavus has been on the search for the new Director of the Diversity Center. The search committee has been working diligently interviewing candidates for the position.
“We are looking for someone who brings experience and expertise to our campus conversation. Someone who is passionate about supporting diverse students and who is excited to take the college to the next level with regard to multicultural/diversity affairs,” Vice President for Student Life and the Dean of Students, JoNes VanHecke said.
A slew of interviews have taken place this past week by the Diversity Center’s search committee which is comprised of a variety of teachers, staff, and faculty. They began the review of applications in mid-November in order to start phone interviews right before Thanksgiving break. After the phone interviews, the search committee was able to narrow down the pool to four candidates to invite to campus for further interviews.
This week, the four remaining candidates have been all over campus completing their on-campus day long interviews that allows them to meet with the search committee, student leaders, Student Affairs, division Deans and Directors, key collaborators, and the Assistant Director of the Diversity Center, Kenneth Reid.
By having them explore campus and taking part in these more extensive interviews, it allows for open conversations and questions from students and employees. The next phase of the process is the review of feedback after the extensive on-campus interview, reference checks, and the search committee’s final decision about the top candidate and who may be the best fit for the position.
“We’re seeking someone who understands the importance of identity intersectionality and who can successfully collaborate with colleagues and students,” VanHecke said.
The role of the Director of the Diversity Center is important to the Diversity Center and the college as a whole. With a Director in place it allows for previously started work in the Diversity Center to be continued and specifically gives Gustavus someone who makes the Diversity Center’s work and projects their priority. The position has two primary responsibilities, which are to provide educational opportunities for all students around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to support students from under-represented groups.
The Diversity Center’s search committee continues to review, analyze and choose the best candidate for the position of Director. The candidate they choose will best meet the standards and fulfill the requirements of the Diversity Center’s mission and goals, as well as, uphold the responsibilities of a Director by making sure projects and work started in the past are completed so new projects can begin developing and expanding the Diversity Center even more.