APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Lawrence University is set to welcome a new vice president for diversity and inclusion.
Kimberly Barrett, who’s currently the vice president for multicultural affairs and community engagement at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, will take over her new role in Appleton on August 22.
“Having attended a small, private liberal arts school myself as an undergraduate, I’ve always had a sense of loyalty and commitment to providing a liberal education to students,” said Barrett. “I think that’s the type of education that prepares students best for the ambiguity and opportunities that exist in the ever-changing, very diverse global society in which we live.”
Barrett will work with faculty, staff, students, alumni and external constituents to advance Lawrence’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. She will be responsible for developing programs and campus/community-wide initiatives to cultivate a more inclusive campus culture as well as enhancing the diversity of the faculty, faculty development and affirming the importance of diversity in educational programs.
Barrett says Lawrence University’s mission was among the reasons she was interested in the position.
“Being able to pursue my passion that is diversity and social justice work at a school like Lawrence that is dedicated to those principles just seemed like an ideal situation,” Barrett said.
Barrett previously spent five years (2003-08) as associate vice chancellor of student development and diversity at UW-Eau Claire. Her son, Terrance, is a UW-Parkside graduate and lives in Madison. Barrett’s husband, Terry Barrett, is an emeritus professor of psychology at Murray State in Kentucky.
