Kevin McDonald to serve as the interim vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at MU

University of Missouri Interim Chancellor Hank Foley announced Mondaythat Kevin McDonald, the UM System’s first ever Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer, also has agreed to serve as the interim vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at MU. The appointment is effective immediately.

“We have worked closely with the UM System on diversity issues, and Dr. McDonald is uniquely qualified to serve in this dual role,” Foley said. “We’re at an important point in time in our history, and we don’t want to lose the momentum from all the work that has been completed. Dr. McDonald’s expertise is just what we need at this critical time. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

“MU has made very intentional strides around diversity and inclusion over the past several months,” McDonald said. “My entire career to this point has been working on a campus with students, staff and faculty, and this joint appointment puts me back in an environment where I’m very comfortable. It’s going to be very important to establish strong relationships with students, faculty and staff, and understand their perspectives so that together we can develop an overarching strategic framework of where we want to be in the years to come.”

McDonald is replacing Chuck Henson, who has served as interim vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity sinceNovember 2015. During Henson’s tenure, more than 4,000 students, faculty and staff were trained on diversity-related issues. Additionally, the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity accomplished the following:

Developed the “Diversity@Mizzou” orientation training program – a new program required for all incoming students. Implemented and streamlined required training for those responsible for hiring faculty– anyone serving on a search committee or who might be responsible for hiring from an external pool of candidates has been trained on best practices to ensure a diverse pool of candidates. Designed new educational and professional development offerings – these programs are designed to help faculty and staff understand and discuss diversity issues on campus. Partnered with The State Historical Society of Missouri to implement the “African-American Experience in Missouri” lecture series. Hosted distinguished guest lectures by experts who discussed issues related to inclusion and diversity.

Prior to his current role, McDonald served as the vice president and associate provost for diversity and inclusion at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he committed himself to making excellence inclusive in every aspect of organizational functioning. Previously, he was vice president for equity and inclusion at Virginia Tech where he developed a significant track record of contributions toward the university’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals. He also has served in compliance roles at John Hopkins University and the University of Maryland in College Park after working for Network Solutions, Inc. and the US Department of Justice early in his career.

McDonald received his doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Rochester and holds a juris doctor from The Ohio State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Andrews University. He also holds certifications with the Cornell Diversity & Inclusion Studies Program and is a certified mediator in three primary mediation models.