JMU welcomes new associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion
JMU News
After an extensive search attracting many candidates from around the country, James Madison University welcomes Brent Lewis as the inaugural associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Lewis will work in the Division of Student Affairs and lead the DEI portfolio, which consists of the Office of Disability Services; Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression; and the Center for Multicultural Student Services. His work builds on a long legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion work at the university spearheaded by a number of offices and individuals.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Tim Miller, said, “Dr. Lewis received unanimous support from our search committee and I see him as an incredible partner with me in shaping the future of the student experience at James Madison University.”
Lewis said, “I am very honored to join the JMU campus community as the associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. I am passionate about DEI work and creating engagement opportunities for our campus to grow, learn, develop and create an equity-minded approach to student learning that is infused to every aspect of the student experience.”
Lewis earned a doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University and has worked in a number of student affairs positions at a variety of colleges and universities, including student engagement and involvement, multicultural services, LGBTQ services and residence life. He has held positions at Randolph College, Fayetteville State University and North Carolina Central University.
In addition to his professional experiences in student affairs, he has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses. His dissertation was on the social and cultural experience of gay and lesbian students attending a historically black college or university. Lewis said JMU’s efforts to become a better place for all students “aligns to my purpose and passion.”
Lewis’ appointment was effective September 1.
Media contact: Mary-Hope Vass, vassmg@jmu.edu
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