USU names school’s first VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Jane Irungu is USU's first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Photo courtesy of Utah State University

LOGAN – Following a six-month national search, Utah State University has found the school’s first Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Dr. Jane Irungu comes to USU from the University of Oklahoma where she serves as the associate provost of inclusive excellence.

She will join USU’s executive cabinet July 1.

USU’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, formed three years ago by President Noelle Cockett, recommended the creation of the vice president position. Irungu will become USU’s executive-level strategist responsible for guiding practices and creating opportunities to define, assess and promote inclusive excellence.

We want to insure Utah State is a place where all people feel they belong and can thrive,” said President Cockett. “Dr. Irungu has years of experience working with students, faculty and staff in strategic leadership roles, as well as a being a teacher.”

Results from USU’s first diversity and inclusion survey, released in June, 2021, indicated students with an underrepresented identity status reported a lower sense of belonging on campus. Also, students with a disability, LGBTQIA+ students, students of color and international students reported feeling less safe in the classroom and found USU to be less welcoming.

Previously, Irungu served at the University of Oregon as assistant vice-president in the division of equity and inclusion and director of the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence.

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3 Comments

  • Ron DeAngelo May 5, 2022 at 2:51 pm Reply

    A ridiculous position to have at a university. I guarantee that no white male would ever get hired. So much for inclusion and diversity.

    • skeetr May 6, 2022 at 11:06 am Reply

      It may come as a shock to you, but often times the candidate who shows the most expertise derived from experience attain positions. You’re fundamentally false on your decision to use absolute language. I will concede that typically, white males do not attain as much expertise derived from experience on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a black female and therefor would not be as likely to be the race and sex hired for the position. Pesky logic.

      • Blayne May 6, 2022 at 11:52 pm Reply

        Wrong. It’s the candidate who is the minority – aka: affirmative action. A white male can’t possibly understand the challenges faced by minorities because he is inherently racist.

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