On Thursday, the University of Dayton named Dr. Lawrence Burnley as its first Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion starting July 1st.
Burnley currently serves as the Chief Diversity Officer and Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. He is also an assistant professor of history at the school.
Burnley, who is a Cleveland native, earned his bachelor’s degree in African American studies from the University of Cincinnati.
In a statement, UD said Burnley’s role will be to a create a more equitable environment on campus.
The school’s diversity and inclusion programs were most recently lead by Dr. Jack Ling, who stepped down as Executive Director of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. The role was expanded after his retirement.
Burnley was appointed by Dr. Paul Benson, UD’s newly named Provost