New assistant director of
recruitment and diversity
Photo by Kathy Atkinson
Keeley M. Powell began her post as the assistant director of
recruitment and diversity in the University of Delaware Office of
Graduate and Professional Education this summer. In this newly
established position, Powell will help academic departments
increase and retain enrollment of minority and underrepresented
graduate student populations.
"I believe my role contributes to a larger mission at UD to
increase diversity within the student body and to improve the
experiences of underrepresented students on this campus.
Inclusion of historically underrepresented students in graduate
education improves the educational experience for the entire
university community, and ultimately contributes to diversity
among scholars. Students of all backgrounds are preparing for
careers in a diverse society and part of our responsibility in
preparing them for life after graduation is exposing them to
different ideas, life experiences and points of view.
"I enjoy my interactions with current UD graduate students.
I am learning so much about the work they are doing in their
disciplines, their life stories and the experiences and choices that
led them to UD.
"I've been a resident of Newark for about 15 years and I have two
UD degrees, so I'm really happy to be back here, and I'm excited to
serve the UD community."
Previously assistant director of academic transition programs at
Rowan University, Powell earned her honors bachelor's degree in
educational studies and a doctorate in educational leadership at
UD, and maintains a strong connection to the community.