Seek candidates with vision for diversity

The Executive Committee of the African American Council at the University of Iowa acknowledges the remarkable efforts of Marcella David, professor of law, whose tenure as special assistant to the president for equal opportunity and diversity and associate provost for diversity ends in December. We cannot begin to list all of her many accomplishments.

David has advanced diversity and created a climate of inclusion for undergraduate students, staff and faculty at the University of Iowa and she will be missed.

Finding a permanent replacement in the current recession will be tough. During times such as these, our core values will be prioritized. It is in this climate that the university administration will make important decisions about a new chief diversity officer (David's position under a different title).

Diversity enriches the entire university and surrounding communities and must remain a priority. Therefore, we ask the administration to remember the many historical contributions the university has made in the advancement and promotion of domestic minorities and to seek candidates who have a clear vision of diversity with enthusiasm for creating sustainable programs to retain the diverse students, staff and faculty.

Billie Townsend

Interim president

African American Council

University of Iowa