Four African American Appointed to Diversity Posts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has hired six new assistant deans, one in each school and in the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, to serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals. Four of the appointees are African Americans.

“MIT’s success in developing solutions to the world’s greatest challenges depends on our ability to attract and retain a diverse and collaborative community, and these appointments will help us strengthen that vibrant community,” says Provost Martin Schmidt. “This talented group will be an invaluable resource to everyone in our community.”

Alana Anderson is the new assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Schwarzman College of Computing. She was the director of programs for diversity and inclusion in the Office of the Provost at Boston University. Dr. Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in politics at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in higher education from Boston College.

Nandi Bynoe was appointed assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Engineering. Since 2019, she had served as the associate dean of diversity and inclusion for the Schools of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering at Tufts University. Bynoe earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in educational studies from Tufts. University.

Tracie Jones was named assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Most recently, she was the director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in extension studies and sociology from Harvard University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Northeastern University in Boston.

Bryan Thomas Jr. will be the assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Sloan School of Management at MIT, effective August 1. Since 2019, Thomas has served as the associate director of the Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education Doctoral Fellowship Program at Stanford University. Earlier, he was assistant director of graduate education programs and diversity at the Stanford School of Medicine. Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Florida International University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Colorado State University.