Action Item: Search for new chief officer of diversity, equity, and inclusion

President David Fithian has announced that Margo R. Foreman, MPH, will assume the role of vice president and chief officer of diversity, equity, and inclusion (CODEI) at Clark, effective October 15, 2021. Foreman’s appointment is the culmination of a nearly year-long, national search for an outstanding candidate who would bring to Clark vision, passion, an innovative spirit, and a strong track record of success in advancing organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

The University has engaged Margo Okazawa-Rey in a consultancy role to support Foreman as she re-establishes the DEI office’s vision, roles, and activities.  Okazawa-Rey is a social justice activist and professor emerita at San Francisco State University, best known for her work as a founding member of the Combahee River Collective and for her transnational feminist advocacy. She will serve in a supporting role for Foreman in defining and advancing the work of the ODI over the next several months.

• President David Fithian announced that Dr. Judy (JJ) Jackson will serve as interim chief officer of diversity, equity, and inclusion (CODEI) while the national search for a permanent appointment continues. Dr. Jackson will oversee the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, serve on the university’s Leadership Team, and be responsible for programming and support for all members of the Clark community. She is going to contribute greatly to helping the university move forward in these important efforts.

• A search is under way, led by a committee chaired by Esther Jones, associate provost and dean of the faculty. Clark has hired Ponneh Varho of the search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist.

• Jie Park, associate professor of education and director of the Center for Gender, Race, and Area Studies, and Michael Vidal, director for diversity and inclusive excellence in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), will provide interim leadership for the ODI and Clark’s diversity, equity, and inclusion work more broadly. Professor Park will oversee continued forward momentum on our commitments to curricular review and change, while Mr. Vidal will advance the work of the #ClarkForward initiative, manage the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and continue his development and oversight of programs to foster inclusive excellence.