Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP, assistant vice chancellor for Equity and Diversity and Title IX coordinator at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, has been named chief diversity officer for the university.
“As chief diversity officer, the vision is to create opportunities for all students, trainees, and employees to experience development and learning, enabling decisions and actions that go beyond just running in place,” Dr. Alston said.
Dr. Alston has been at UTHSC since 2002 and employed by the UT System for almost 30 years. He has been assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Equity and Diversity since 2012. In his new role, he will continue to report to Lori Gonzalez, PhD, vice chancellor for Academic, Faculty and Student Affairs at UTHSC.
Dr. Alston’s new title was approved by UTHSC Chancellor Steve Schwab, MD, in support of UTHSC’s strategic vision for diversity and inclusion.
“Michael is a strong advocate for all aspects of diversity and inclusion and the CDO designation recognizes his many professional contributions to UTHSC and the UT System in these areas,” Dr. Gonzalez said. “He leads a highly-engaged office that has a history of creative programming for the campus community with new programs rolled out each year.”
The Office of Equity and Diversity has developed several innovative projects, including the Diversity Matters newsletter, the Diversity Certificate Program/Diversity Certificate Conference, collaborating with UTHSC deans and vice chancellors to create the diversity mini grants program, and more.
Dr. Alston holds a doctoral degree from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University and a professional diversity management certificate from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.