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New position among new initiatives to focus on the University of Toledo’s diversity

Willie McKether, associate dean of the College of Language, Literature, and Social Sciences

Colleen Anderson and Jessica Harker

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Diversity is front and center in Gaber’s plans for the University of Toledo, which she highlighted by appointing a new special assistant to the president for diversity and by announcing several changes in existing offices.

The position, created specifically to focus on university-wide diversity initiatives, will be filled by current associate dean of the College of Language, Literature, and Social Sciences Willie McKether. McKether said he was asked to take the position on Monday, Nov. 9.

In his new position, McKether said he will be using his background in business administration and anthropology to analyze UT’s culture, both through talking to students and examining data to formulate a strategic diversity plan. He feels the Gaber administration’s decision shows a dedication to diversity at UT.

“I can say that from her initial interviews on campus, she talked about the importance and value of diversity,” McKether said. “I know that her door’s open when it comes to meeting with various groups, with students as well, and I think that having this diversity plan is just a major step in ensuring that the university, moving forward under her administration, has a focus on diversity and inclusion.

One of the main things McKether wants to focus on is retention among not only minority students, but also faculty and staff belonging to minority groups. Right now, his priority is gathering information from various people and focus groups on campus to incorporate into his strategic plan for the university.

“I think any institution is stronger when it has a value of inclusiveness and of diversity, because you bring diversity of thought, of talent, of skillsets, whether that’s inside or outside the classrooms,” McKether said. “Throughout the university, having diversity and a climate of inclusion is critically important, because again, I think it brings about differences of opinions out in the same environment.”

McKether’s appointment is one of many diversity initiatives Gaber announced Friday, Nov. 13. In a university-wide email, Gaber wrote that the Office of Student Affairs will be focusing on diversity in the months to come.

The Office of Excellence and Multicultural Student Services will be looking for graduate students to assist with programming and mentorship to student groups. Their leadership will be receiving a change as well with the hiring of an associate dean for the office.

“The University of Toledo’s commitment to diversity must be infused into every action we take,” Gaber wrote. “It is represented in our words as well as our actions and decisions at all levels of the university.”

David Young, director of OEMSS, said Gaber’s leadership and action has been crucial in maintaining a positive atmosphere for minorities on campus.

“I think that it’s important that the University of Toledo’s been proactive,” Young said. “This president moved without a student demonstration; this president moved without student unrest on the campus, and I think that’s important.”

According to Young, students have become increasingly more active and engaged in student movements. Young said McKether’s appointment was something he thinks students will respond well to, and will help give student voices a platform.

“The student voice is extremely important in this whole area. Students need to have a voice, students need voice their opinions and be heard,” Young said.

Melanie Goosby, vice president of BSU, said she is in favor of the new measures, and hopes they will improve dialogue between student groups as well as retention rates of minority students.

“I think this new position has shown minority students that Dr. Gaber is aware of diversity issues that have arisen at other universities, and she is taking proactive steps to improving the culture at UT,” Goosby said.

Jack Alferio, president of UT Spectrum, wrote in an email interview that Spectrum is excited for the hiring of a new associate dean for OEMSS, which they feel will help the office immensely.

“Having someone in this role shows Gaber’s commitment to diversity in all its forms,” Alferio wrote. “I feel the campus has been seeing some great change on the terms of diversity since Gaber has been in office.”

 

McKether said the student voice is going to be an important part of formulating the strategic plan and gathering information going forward.

 

“I think it says also that we’re listening to students, we value students’ opinions and their views, we want them to know that we hear them, and that we want to develop a strategic plan that includes their voices.”

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