Role of the Chief Diversity Officer and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Imperative for Higher Education
Dr. Mary Ann Villarreal, a nationally recognized leader in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), will discuss best practices and opportunities for growing EDI in higher education. Her insights as the first vice president for EDI at the University of Utah and experiences in transforming the work and perspectives at her university will help expand our understanding of effective EDI leadership. Villarreal’s discussion will challenge us to think critically about our campus priorities and the role of our next chief diversity officer.
Guest Speaker: Mary Ann Villareal
Dr. Mary Ann Villarreal is the inaugural vice president for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Utah. She provides leadership and strategic oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives across the university’s academic and health sciences campuses. Prior to her current role, Villarreal served as the associate vice president of strategic initiatives at Cal State Fullerton; the associate dean at Colorado Women’s College at the University of Denver; an assistant professor of history at the University of Colorado–Boulder; and an instructor and assistant professor of history and ethnic studies at the University of Utah. Her book, Listening to Rosita: The Business of Tejana Music and Culture, 1930–1955, won the South Texas College Américo Paredes Book Award.