A Trio of African Americans Who Have Been Appointed to Diversity Posts in Higher Education

Carl Lawson was named associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion, for the University of Pittsburgh schools of the health sciences, effective February 5. He was director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Chicago Medical School and director of interprofessional global health for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science.

Dr. Lawson earned a master of public health degree from the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Kent Brussels School of International Studies and a Ph.D. in peace and conflict studies from the United Nations’ University for Peace.

Sydney M. Savion, an international leader in workforce development, organizational culture, and employee-centered learning, was appointed vice chancellor for people, culture, and belonging at Vanderbilt University, effective January 29. She previously worked for Google, Cityblock Health, and Air New Zealand. Dr. Savion retired as a commissioned officer from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of reserve and active service. She is the author of Camouflage to Pinstripes: Learning to Thrive in a Civilian Culture (Brown Books, 2012).

A native of Virginia, Dr. Savion earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental health from Old Dominion University in Norfolk. She holds a doctorate in human and organizational learning from George Washington University.

Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, has announced the appointment of Sheryl R. Wilson as its inaugural vice president for culture and belonging, effective July 1, 2024. Since 2017, she has served as the executive director of the Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the college.

Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in mediation and communication studies and a master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Minnesota.

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