Tanya Williamson Named Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s New Assistant Vice President

Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace Almandrez has announced the selection of Tanya Williamson as the inaugural assistant vice president in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Williamson, who currently serves as associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Barnes Center at The Arch, will begin in her new role Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

As assistant vice president, Williamson will manage departmental operations, budget and planning, and project management of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan. She will also supervise staff in the following areas: inclusion and belonging, learning and development, and research and assessment.

“Dr. Williamson brings a range of experience and skill to this new role—from her depth of work in DEIA to project management at the University. Her role will be crucial in the implementation of the DEIA Strategic Plan,” Almandrez says. “Through this new role and with her knowledge and background, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion continues to strengthen its mission to make the University a more welcoming place for all.”

Williamson joined the Barnes Center in 2021 and led projects related to DEIA within the integrated center for health and wellness.

“I’m honored to serve in this inaugural role as DEIA has consistently been a significant component of my work. I am most excited about the opportunity to continue my collaborations with staff, faculty and students, which will be essential to advancing the DEIA strategic plan,” Williamson says.

Prior to coming to the University, Williamson, who is also an executive coach and consultant, held several positions at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and worked as a lead and staff psychologist. She earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from SUNY Binghamton, as well as a B.A. in psychology from Michigan State University.

“We were seeking a leader with a strong understanding of leading practices and strategies in DEIA work. Tanya has a keen understanding of DEIA work and a breadth of professional experience in advancing diversity, equity inclusion and accessibility, as core values and critical components of an organization’s culture,” says Dawn Singleton, chair of the search committee and vice president of student transition, access and inclusion in Student Experience.

Other members of the search committee were Elisa Dekaney, associate dean of research, graduate studies and internationalization in the College of Visual Performing Arts and professor of music education; Luis Gomez; Carlee Kerr, graduate assistant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and Craig Tucker, director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program/Student Support Services.

Also recently, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion has welcomed new team members, including Carlee Kerr, graduate assistant, and Kala Rounds, access coordinator. Rounds assists staff and faculty with disabilities and resources, and Kerr supports inclusion and belonging efforts, such as affinity groups, Posse student scholar program support, community-building activities and mentorship programs.