Following an internal search, Dr. Andrew Hippisley, dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has appointed Dr. Jean Griffith as the associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion for the college. Griffith’s position is a new one that follows recommendations made by the National Science Foundation ADVANCE grant team, whose goal was to assess faculty DEI efforts at WSU.
Previously, Griffith, an associate professor of English and former chair of the Department of English, had served as the director of faculty and curricular diversity in the provost’s office. In her new role, Griffith will provide leadership for faculty-related diversity and inclusion initiatives and create and assess diversity and inclusion curricular programming.
She will also monitor equity processes in the college including faculty hiring and promotions while serving as a resource to the entire college community regarding diversity and inclusion topics.
“Jean will do an outstanding job in leading the way in diversity and inclusion in the college and the university community as a whole,” said Dr. Edil Torres Rivera, LatinX studies and counseling professor.”
Dr. Marche Fleming-Randle, vice president and chief diversity officer, echoed Torres’ statements.
“Dr. Jean Griffith is an advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity and has served on the President’s Diversity Council since 2017,” said Fleming-Randle. “She will serve LAS proudly.”