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UD Names New Vice President For Diversity and Inclusion

Wikimedia Commons User Namtrofk

On Thursday, the University of Dayton named Dr. Lawrence Burnley as its first Vice President for Diversity and Inclusionstarting July 1st.

Credit Wikimedia Commons User Namtrofk

Burnley currently serves as theChief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. He is also an assistant professor of history at the school.

Burnley, who is a Cleveland native, earned his bachelor’s degree in African American studies from the University of Cincinnati.

In a statement, UD said Burnley’s role will be to a create a more equitable environment on campus.

The school’s diversity and inclusion programs were most recently lead by Dr. Jack Ling, who stepped down as Executive Director of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. The role was expanded after his retirement.

Burnley was appointed by Dr. Paul Benson, UD’s newly named Provost

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April Laissle is a graduate of Ohio University and comes to WYSO from WOUB Public Media in Athens, Ohio where she worked as a weekend host and reporter. There, she reported on everything from food insecurity to 4-H chicken competitions. April interned at KQED Public Radio in San Francisco, where she focused on health reporting. She also worked on The Broad Experience, a New-York based podcast about women and workplace issues. In her spare time, April loves traveling, trying new recipes and binge-listening to podcasts. April is a Florida native and has been adjusting to Ohio weather since 2011.