CU NAMES DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

CONTACT:  Lindsey Byars
Concord University
Office of Advancement
PO Box 1000, Athens, WV 24712
(304) 384-5223

lbyars@concord.edu
Cell: 304-887-6816
(leave message)

ATHENS, W.Va. – Concord University names Dr. Michael Bean as its Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Dr. Bean is a professor of Education at Concord, primarily teaching Education Leadership courses. Under this new title, he will also be working with faculty, staff, and students through efforts and initiatives designed to strengthen equity, inclusion, knowledge, and skills across the campus community.

“It’s important to cultivate an environment where our students and faculty can engage in dialogue about diversity,” says President Kendra Boggess. “Encouraging discourse is the cornerstone of higher education, and I know this position will reinforce and supplement initiatives already in place at Concord University.”

As the director, Dr. Bean hopes to create informational workshops and host monthly discussions for students, as well as collaborate with Human Resources and Admissions using data as tools for cultivating a diverse campus community.

“I’m excited about this continued work towards the awareness and involvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Concord family, community, and most importantly our students. We will continue to be leaders in our community as we consider the diversity of our Concord community to be an essential source of our strength as an institution. Arthur Ashe said, ‘Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.’ Together, we will do the work to help our students feel part of Concord University for life,” Dr. Bean says.

Dr. Bean came to Concord University in the fall of 2017 from Cleveland, Ohio where he served as principal in a K-8 school.