Graduate School seeks inclusion, engagement dean

A national search is being conducted for an associate dean for inclusion and student engagement at Cornell’s Graduate School. Barbara Knuth, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, will lead the search and establish a search committee composed of key university constituents and partners.

The position supports a diverse community of graduate students and has responsibility for the success of the school’s efforts to recruit, retain and support a diverse student body, with a focus on students in groups historically underrepresented in graduate education – including black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, LGBT, native Alaskan and Hawaiian students, and women in certain fields.

Providing vision, leadership, direction and overall management for Graduate School programs and policies related to diversity and inclusion, the associate dean will lead the Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and serve as one of five University Diversity Officers steering diversity initiatives in colleges and units across Cornell and advising university leaders.

As part of Cornell’s diversity initiative Toward New Destinations, the Graduate School has implemented graduate recruitment grants to increase enrollment of underrepresented graduate students; extended professional development and networking opportunities to campus organizations for women and students of color; established a Graduate Diversity Council of students and faculty; and instituted metrics to monitor and assess achievement indicators for different groups of students, among other activities.

The associate dean develops and provides programming that emphasizes leadership development, communication and conflict resolution, academic success, and valuing diversity and multicultural understanding to enhance the engagement of all graduate students. Graduate School colleagues provide complementary programming on writing, responsible conduct of research, health and wellness, teaching and learning, and career development. Together, this cohesive team provides comprehensive student engagement and professional development programming, featured earlier this month in a plenary session at the Council of Graduate Schools’ annual meeting as a strong example of outstanding support to graduate students.

“The associate dean is a key component of our support structure for the full professional and personal development of all students, and is particularly focused on inviting and engaging students from diverse backgrounds,” Knuth said. “I rely on this position to lead our efforts to foster strong academic and personal success for a diverse student body.”

The new associate dean will succeed Sheri Notaro, associate dean of inclusion and professional development since 2011, who recently accepted an associate dean position at her previous institution, Washington University.

“I will miss Sheri’s vision and personal commitment to supporting the recruitment, retention and achievement of diverse graduate students,” Knuth said. “During her time at Cornell, she had a very positive impact on the Graduate School’s programs and touched the lives of many students.”

The title of the Cornell position has changed to recognize the importance of this position in cultivating relationships and communities among and across graduate students from diverse backgrounds, Knuth said.

Media Contact

John Carberry