Update on DEI Professional Search

The search committee for the Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has recently completed finalist interviews. The search, aided by Academic Search, a nationally known, top-rated search firm, generated about 60 applications from experts in higher education, business, not-for-profit, and civic organizations.  

“Candidates from across the country wrote to express their interest in working at Meredith, particularly in light of our anti-racism initiatives,” said President Jo Allen.

As stated in the position description, the Coordinator for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will support people from a rich diversity of backgrounds–including but not limited to diverse academic experiences, socioeconomic levels, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, genders, races, and ethnicities. Reporting directly to the President, the Coordinator for DEI will champion policies and actions that reaffirm the College’s lasting commitment to being a healthy and inclusive environment.

“Winnowing the pool to eight semi-finalists was difficult, and the committee conducted those interviews in mid-November,” Allen said.  “In addition to its own session with each candidate, the search committee held special sessions for students and their advisors in organizations strongly associated with diversity efforts.”  

Based on feedback, the committee then narrowed the pool to the group of finalists, who were interviewed starting November 29. Those interviews included open sessions with students, faculty, and staff, a session with the Executive Leadership Team, and an interview with the President.

“Depending on the selected candidate’s timeline, we hope to welcome him/her to campus by early January for the spring semester,” said Allen.

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu