University President Wallace Loh announced the appointment of associate vice president and chief diversity officer in a community-wide email this morning.

Kumea Shorter-Gooden will serve as this university’s first-ever chief diversity officer, effective January 1, the release stated.

She currently serves as associate provost for international-multicultural initiatives at Alliant International University, where she was the first chief diversity officer charged with overseeing the institution’s multicultural and international plan, according to the email.