Search Begins for Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

As we started fall classes, NOVA reaffirmed our access and equity mission. The commitments to achieving equity in opportunity that have been put forward by our College Senate and college councils demonstrate that we are dedicated to a journey that stretches far beyond NOVA. Each of us, in our own way, is taking steps to address the impact of systemic inequality and structural racism on the life of our college and the lives of our students. Today, NOVA launches the search for our first Chief Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO) to help lead the way.

Over the past months, so many outstanding NOVA faculty and staff have come forward to lead aspects of our equity work. I want to honor the talent and experience we have right here at NOVA by searching internally for the CDEIO. The posting is now online for your review and a PDF flyer is also Here. I hope that you will either consider applying or encouraging a colleague to do so. The search committee, which will be chaired by Medical Education Campus Provost Nicole Reaves, will represent the diversity of NOVA and will include both employees and students. Applications for the CDEIO position must be received by September 30 to be considered.

Earlier, I referred to NOVA’s equity work as a journey. It is critical to remember that we didn’t get here yesterday, and we won’t be where we want to be tomorrow. It will take time, and there will be missteps. I want to acknowledge one of these missteps.

Throughout the spring and summer, students, faculty and staff clearly articulated a need for implicit bias and cultural awareness training. In response, Human Resources sought out providers who were well-recommended within higher education, eventually selecting The Academic Network. Last week, Human Resources began offering that training, but it has not lived up to our expectations and has been taken down. Human Resources is now searching for a new training provider that will engage both the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Professional Development Committees to ensure all training modules reflect the commitment to equity, excellence, empathy and evidence that NOVA expects.

I am grateful to those of you who raised concerns and to Human Resources for quickly responding. Both actions say so much about the strength of NOVA and the support that our new CDEIO will find within our community.