UCLA Launches Inclusive Excellence Search: A Community-Driven Initiative
UCLA has embarked on a crucial mission to identify a new Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence, a role pivotal for advancing the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Spearheaded by Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt and Interim Executive Vice Chancellor Michael S. Levine, this search emphasizes building a more inclusive and representative campus environment that aligns with UCLA’s core values.
Engaging the UCLA Community
The search for this significant role is structured to be inclusive and participatory, reflecting the very principles it aims to promote. Chaired by Abel Valenzuela Jr., dean and professor at UCLA, the search committee boasts an interdisciplinary roster of prominent faculty looking to appoint a candidate who will effectively steer UCLA’s diversity initiatives.
In an innovative approach to engaging stakeholders, the university has scheduled listening sessions on October 24 and November 1, 2024, inviting input from students, faculty, and staff. These sessions are accessible via Zoom, ensuring maximum participation from the UCLA community, a crucial element in shaping the role’s priorities and the qualities of an ideal candidate. Residents of the UCLA ecosystem are encouraged to voice their opinions and how the position can best serve community interests.
A New Chapter for Diversity and Inclusion
The Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence will report to the chancellor and provisional provost, shaping policies and initiatives that underscore UCLA’s dedication to equity. This includes overseeing the Office of Inclusive Excellence, formerly known as the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and creating strategic partnerships within the university and broader community.
UCLA has partnered with Storbeck Search, an executive search firm represented by Holly Jackson, to aid the selection process. This collaboration illustrates UCLA’s proactive stance in ensuring the search is comprehensive and inclusive.
Local Impact and Community Engagement
This search is not merely an internal affair but one of considerable local impact. By choosing a leader who embodies inclusive excellence, UCLA is positioning itself to profoundly influence not only its immediate academic community but also its surrounding areas. The role involves managing relationships with key community partners and fostering environments where diverse perspectives are celebrated.
Local community member Ana Gonzalez, a UCLA alumna and diversity advocate, highlights the significance of this role. “This position is vital for reinforcing UCLA’s responsibility towards its diverse community. It’s about setting standards and providing leadership that reflects our collective aspirations for equality and respect,” she states.
Previous Efforts and Continuing Challenges
The need for a committed effort towards inclusive excellence isn’t new. UCLA has a history of striving for diverse representation, albeit with challenges along the way. Previous initiatives have illuminated both successes and areas needing further attention, such as increasing representation among faculty and enhancing cultural competency across campus departments.
Dr. Cheryl I. Harris, member of the search committee and a professor advocating for civil rights at UCLA School of Law, remarks, “The Vice Provost will be instrumental in driving policies and programs that turn our aspirations into tangible outcomes, addressing past lapses and paving the way for a more equitable future.”
Envisioning the Future
The successful appointee will carry substantial responsibilities, including leading UCLA’s efforts in strategic planning, faculty recruitment, education, and community relations. They will play a crucial role in propelling UCLA’s public mission forward, aligning it with evolving societal norms and expectations on diversity and equity.
The anticipated annual salary for the position ranges from $320,000 to $440,000, signifying the importance UCLA places on attracting a leader with both vision and experience. Candidates are expected to have a proven track record in promoting equity, an appreciation for UCLA’s public mission, and the capacity to innovate within a complex organizational structure.
Commitment to Diversity in Hiring
UCLA underscores its commitment to non-discriminatory practices in its hiring process, welcoming applications from individuals across diverse identities, regardless of race, gender, or other protected statuses. This openness is critical as the university seeks a leader who can authentically represent and advocate for its diverse constituents.
The selection process remains ongoing, with nominations and expressions of interest actively encouraged via various platforms, including an online survey and direct email. This transparent and inclusive approach underlines UCLA’s determination to engage community interest and foster an open dialogue throughout the search for this key position.
In summary, the search for the Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence is a defining moment for UCLA. It represents a dedicated effort to embed inclusive excellence at the heart of the institution’s ethos, promising positive transformations across the campus and beyond. This initiative not only strengthens UCLA’s reputation as a leader in diversity and inclusion but also carries significant implications for its local impact, enriching the social and academic fabric of the broader UCLA community.
