Dear Members of the Campus Community,

I am pleased to share with you that we have resumed our national search for a vice president charged with advancing broadly our institutional commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and racial and social justice. A search committee for this new role is in place under the leadership of Dr. Uchenna Baker, vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students; and Dr. Amy Ryken, dean and distinguished professor in the School of Education. The committee members are listed below, and I hope you will join me in expressing appreciation for their important service to the university at this critical time.

The committee will convene shortly with the support of executive search firm Witt Kieffer, and is committed to an open and transparent process that will rely heavily on feedback from the campus community. The committee is charged with drafting a position profile, recruiting a diverse group of highly qualified candidates, and recommending finalists to invite to campus for interviews.

Please look for a message shortly from our co-chairs with information on virtual open sessions for the campus community that will provide the opportunity for you to share your aspirations for this new role. The first session will be held on Monday, Sept. 14. A schedule of events and other information about the search can also be found at https://www.pugetsound.edu/vpdi-search. (Please note that the position title is under review following feedback from campus community members over the spring and summer.)

Thank you for your participation in this process and your commitment to advancing an ever more just, inclusive, welcoming and supportive campus community.

Sincerely,

Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President