Dear Colleagues,
During last week’s Talking With Todd, I shared that we are bringing two existing divisions together to form a new unit to better serve and support the university community. Our divisions of Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have merged as the Division of People, Culture and Belonging under the leadership of Vice President Amoaba Gooden. She is leading our new team as it elevates the work of both units with a focus on the well-being of people and organizational culture.
Over the next few months, Vice President Gooden will work with all university divisions and a process team made up of Â鶹´«Ã½ community members to design and refine the new unit. Please on what unique opportunities Kent State should pursue with the alignment of the divisions of Human Resources and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
This new Division of People, Culture and Belonging will help strengthen efforts geared toward our institutional mission and vision. It also will advance a culture of care, kindness and respect, which is in line with our Kent State values.
This move also allows us to focus on doing things differently and doing them better. For example, the Division of Human Resources and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion both provided professional development to faculty, staff and students. With a combined division, we now have an opportunity for synergy and increased strength in particular areas.
Let me assure you that human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion will continue to be priorities for Kent State. The new division will have offices with specific focus on these areas.
Please join me in welcoming this new division and in supporting Vice President Gooden and her team in this transition.
Sincerely,
Todd Diacon
President