Wade Manora Jr. recently joined Swarthmore as assistant dean and director of the Intercultural Center (IC).

Manora, who served as director of student diversity, equity, and inclusion at Emory University-Oxford College since 2022, says he felt a strong pull to Swarthmore while researching the school.

“I have always wanted my work, practice, and impact to be maximized to the students I serve,” says Manora. “I loved the thought of having more of an impact here at a small private liberal arts college than at your standard mid-to-large size public institutions. 

“Students knowing my name and knowing the spaces I help create keeps me going and excites me overall,” adds Manora, who arrived on campus in mid-January.

As assistant dean, Manora will share responsibilities for all students, including academic and personal advising. In addition, he will work with colleagues in the Dean’s Division and others to plan and implement programming in support of academic and overall student success at the College.

As IC director, Manora will provide advising, advocacy, and support for students and a broad range of student groups, including those in the Intercultural Center Collective. He will also ensure strong ties between the Intercultural Center and the academic life of the College.

Prior to his time at Emory, Manora worked at the University of North Georgia as its Office of Multicultural Student Affairs director. He earned a bachelor’s in communications and a master’s in education from Auburn University, and a doctorate of education in learning, leadership, and organizational development from the University of Georgia.

“Wade brings extensive knowledge and experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion within student affairs that will inevitably advance the work of the Intercultural Center,” says Tiffany Thompson, associate dean, Inclusive Excellence.

Thompson also thanked the search committee — Karima Bouchenafa, assistant dean and director of the Black Cultural Center; Michael Ramberg, interim director of the Interfaith Center; Dakota Gibbs '19, assistant director of the Center for Innovation and Leadership; Paige Jennings, director of the Gender and Sexuality Center; and Rosemary Tourish, administrative coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence.

“We are grateful to the faculty, staff, and students who met with the finalists for the position and who provided their feedback to the search committee,” says Thompson.