Dear Friends,

At Swarthmore, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Amid both familiar and new obstacles and threats to these values, we must affirm and advance our work in these areas. To that end, I highlighted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as critical components of our ongoing strategic planning work. While that process continues in earnest, one outcome is clear: We should focus on strengthening and better coordinating our current DEI efforts. 

With that in mind, I am pleased to share that we have undertaken a national search for Swarthmore’s inaugural vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This newly created position will collaborate with members of the campus community to lead the development of a comprehensive, cohesive DEI strategy that defines and advances the College’s DEI priorities and goals. This leader will report directly to me and will serve as a key strategic advisor and vital member of the College’s senior staff.

My thanks to the following individuals who are serving on the search committee:

• Erin Brownlee Dell, Chief of Staff and Secretary of the College
• Elizabeth Drake, Director of Sustainability
• Natalie Gainer ’15, Assistant Dean of Admissions
• Roy Greim ’14, Associate Director of Web Communication, Communications 
• Nora Johnson, Professor of English Literature 
• Sharmaine LaMar, General Counsel
• Paula MacDonald, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources
• Rabbi Michael Ramberg, Jewish Student Advisor and Interfaith Center Interim Co-Director
• Susan Smythe, ADA Program Manager/Senior Project Manager, Facilities Management
• Ameet Soni, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Associate Dean of the Faculty for Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention
• Tiffany Thompson, Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence, Student Affairs
• Ashley Turner, Senior Academic Technologist, Information Technology Services

I am chairing this committee. Charlene Aguilar and Darrien Davenport of WittKeiffer are the consultants for this search. 

Given the critical role that DEI efforts play in ensuring that the College fulfills its mission to “provide learners of diverse backgrounds with a transformative liberal arts education,” finalists will meet with student, faculty, and staff representatives. I look forward to this process and to strengthening our DEI efforts. 

Sincerely,

Val Smith
President