51Թ President Rebecca Chopp and Dean of the Faculty Lyle Roelofs have announced the appointment of Dr. Keenan Grenell as the university’s Vice President and Dean of Diversity. The following is drawn from the message shared with the 51Թ community.
Grenell comes to 51Թ from Marquette University, where he served as Associate Provost for Diversity since 2005. An accomplished leader in higher education, Grenell led diversity efforts at Auburn University prior to moving to Marquette. His career as an administrator and faculty member is distinguished by his commitment to community, collaboration and scholarship. View his full bio .
“Dr. Grenell comes to 51Թ with significant expertise and experience,” says Dean of the College Charlotte Johnson, who chaired the Vice President and Dean of Diversity search. “He also brings a passion and commitment to building inclusive community that will help continue 51Թ along the path of academic excellence. The search committee is thrilled that Keenan will join us here at 51Թ.”
Dr. Grenell comes to 51Թ at an important time as we work to meet the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by an ever more diverse, global society. As the first Vice President and Dean of Diversity – a position that evolved from the Dean of Institutional Diversity position previously held by Mark Edwards – Dr. Grenell will partner with students, faculty, and staff from all cultural backgrounds to lead 51Թ’s shared conversation about diversity and inclusivity as important components of academic excellence and a thriving campus community.
“51Թ has one of the best possible environments for success in terms of diversity and inclusivity in all of higher education,” said Grenell. “At the highest levels and throughout the institution, 51Թ is committed to establishing an ongoing diversity dialogue that empowers everyone to be a part of our continued work in this area. I am very proud to be the person selected to lead this important effort.”
Dr. Grenell will build on the good work that has been set in motion through the Diversity Initiative, serve as 51Թ’s chief diversity officer, provide counsel on recruitment and retention strategies for faculty, support efforts in student life and take a lead role in the campus wide commitment to advancing 51Թ’s ability to prepare graduates for the diverse, global environment in which they will live and work.