26 Jun Gittens to serve as UW-Madison’s interim chief diversity officer

By Doug Erickson, UW-Madison

Cheryl Gittens, an assistant vice provost in UW–Madison’s Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement, has been named interim leader of the university’s diversity and inclusion efforts.

Gittens will assume the role of interim deputy vice chancellor and chief diversity officer on July 11. She will succeed Patrick Sims, who is leaving to become the executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

“This is a crucial role on our campus at a time when continued progress on equity and inclusion is not only expected but essential,” says Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “We are very fortunate to have someone with Dr. Gittens’ experience and skill to lead this effort. She brings deep knowledge of the issues and is highly respected by our students, faculty and staff.”

In the interim position, Gittens will provide overall leadership for the university’s efforts to create a diverse, inclusive, and successful work and learning environment for all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and others who partner with the university. She will work with schools, colleges, and other administrative units across campus on diversity and inclusion initiatives while supervising the key diversity units that comprise the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement (DDEEA). Read more …