Three African Americans Who Are Assuming New Administrative Duties Relating to Diversity

Dyonne Bergeron has been named chief diversity officer and vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of California, Irvine, effective July 3. She has been serving as acting vice provost and associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Bergeron holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from Louisiana State University. She earned a master’s degree in college student affairs and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of South Florida.

Dakesa Piña was named the inaugural vice president in charge of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. She has been serving as director of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for the College of Business at Illinois State University.

Dr. Piña is a graduate of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she majored in psychology. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Indiana State University and a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy from Texas Tech University.

Minnette Ellis has been named the interim chief diversity officer at the University of North Alabama. Ellis joined the staff at the university in January 2022 as the associate vice president and dean of students. Earlier, she spent 11 years in a variety of roles at Western Kentucky University including associate director for housing and residence life.

Ellis is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, where she majored in psychology. She holds a master’s degree in higher education student affairs from Indiana State University and is completing work on an educational doctorate at Western Kentucky University.

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