Joan Williams Named SU Chief Diversity Officer

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University has announced Joan Williams as its new associate vice president for diversity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer following a national search.

Williams has served as the director of diversity and institutional equity at the University of North Alabama (UNA) since 2013. She has held multiple titles there, including coordinator of at-risk student advising, counselor, Title IX coordinator, and First-Year Experience and study skills instructor. She begins her new position at SU in May.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joan to campus,” said SU President Charles Wight. “During my inauguration at SU, I highlighted several priorities, including improved diversity and inclusion. Joan’s many years of experience in this field, along with her dedication, drive and willingness to lead, will further the inroads we have made so far and allow SU to continue its mission to be a welcoming, inclusive campus for all.”

“I am excited to be joining the SU family, which has impressed me with its authentic commitment to creating an inclusive campus culture where all students have the opportunity to succeed; that is very important to me,” said Williams. “I am also excited to be joining a culturally rich part of the country and look forward to collaborating with the broader community.”

At UNA, Williams was responsible for all diversity efforts, including the institution’s strategic diversity plan. She collaborated with campus stakeholders to expand cultural competence to increase equity and inclusion, and led efforts to establish effective practices for recruitment and retention of diverse faculty, staff and students. She also chaired the President’s Diversity Advisory Committee.

At SU, she will lead the newly re-formed Office of Diversity and Inclusion, reporting directly to the President. She also will serve on the President’s Cabinet.

“Diversity and inclusion is an integral part of the educational experience of all students,” said Williams. “Universities are charged with preparing students for the workplace, and this work is essential to that goal. Part of preparing our students for this global economy is to assist them in acquiring the skills necessary to successfully navigate diverse spaces.”

Williams earned her M.A. in community counseling from UNA. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.