October 27, 2021

Dear UD Community,

I am pleased to announce the creation of a new vice presidential position in the University’s senior administration to advance the institution’s strategic priority of enhancing our institutional equity efforts to support a diverse, inclusive and intercultural campus.

The new position – vice president of institutional equity and chief diversity officer – will report directly to me on topics affecting all aspects of our community and touching the lives of our students, faculty and staff. Accordingly, the new vice president and chief diversity officer will also work closely with the provost, the executive vice president and chief operating officer and other senior leaders. With dedicated focus on advancing our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), responsibilities will encompass strategic leadership, oversight and visionary activation of a range of services, programs, policies and procedures for faculty, staff and students.

Effective immediately, Fatimah Conley, who has served as the University’s acting chief diversity officer over the past year, will be assuming this role.

Our vision and priorities for the University often reference new programs and initiatives— but at the heart of all these efforts are our people. As ideals and values of society continue to evolve, UD is reaffirming its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at the center of everything we do. Accordingly, the responsibilities, authority and accountability that define this role will help us to advance our goals surrounding an inclusive culture here at the University.

I have full confidence that Fatimah will bring great insight, experience, dedication and empathy at a time that is critical to help our University move forward. As a catalyst for change, she will lead, advise, and advocate with oversight of the Office of Institutional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This also encompasses other areas of professional responsibility, including the vice provost for diversity, Student Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for Black Culture, the Office of Disability Support Services and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Please join me in congratulating Fatimah as we work together to advance institutional equity efforts at the University of Delaware.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis President