Three African Americans Who Have Been Appointed to Diversity Posts in Higher Education

Stephanie Akunvabey has been named associate vice president for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Pace University in New York. Most recently, she served in a similar role at Roger Williams University campuses in Bristol and Providence, Rhode Island. Earlier, she served as interim assistant dean of academic affairs at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.

Dr. Akunvabey earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and Africana studies at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia. She holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in higher and postsecondary education from New York University.

Alton M. Standifer was appointed vice provost for inclusive excellence and chief of staff to the provost at the University of Georgia, effective October 1. As vice provost for inclusive excellence, Dr. Standifer will direct the university’s Office of Institutional Diversity. He has been serving as deputy chief of staff to the president of the university. He joined the University of Georgia in 2014 as assistant director of new student orientation. Earlier, Dr. Standifer served in a variety of student-centered roles at Georgia Southern University.

Dr. Standifer earned a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. He earned a doctorate in public administration and policy at the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs.

Ashton Murray is the inaugural chief diversity officer and vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rockefeller University in New York City. Earlier, he served as director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. Previously, Dr. Murray developed training programs in cultural competency and diversity for leadership at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.

Dr. Murray is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a master’s degree from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a Ph.D. in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Get the JBHE Weekly Bulletin

Receive our weekly email newsletter delivered to your inbox

Latest News

Higher Education Grants or Gifts of Interest to African Americans

Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.

Temple University President JoAnne Epps Dies Suddenly at Campus Service

JoAnne A. Epps, acting president of Temple University in Philadelphia, collapsed on stage during a celebration of life ceremony for Charles L. Blockson on September 19, where she was scheduled to speak. She was taken from the stage to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. President Epps was 72 years old

Professor Michael Dawson Wins Award From the American Political Science Association

Michael C. Dawson, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity Studies and professor of political science at the University of Chicago, received the Charles E. Merriam Award from the American Political Science Association. The award is given to a person whose published work and career represent a significant contribution to the art of government through the application of social science research.

Several HBCUs Obtain Grants From the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, an independent federal agency, has announced 64 grants totaling $20,363,297 to support libraries and archives across the country. Some of these grants have been awarded to historically Black colleges and universities.

Featured Jobs