The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has named its first two finalists for assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning within the Office of Diversity and  Inclusion.

The candidates were selected through a national search. The first two candidates will visit the campus on Nov. 8 and 9. They will participate in all-day interviews, including hour-long public presentations with a question-and-answer opportunity at 11:15 a.m. each day. The presentations are open to the  public.

The first two finalists and public presentations are:

• Rory James, director of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington — 11:15 a.m., Nov. 8, Nebraska Union, Platte River Room South

• Khrys FuQua’, lead diversity and inclusion official and managing director, AGI Education Consulting — 11:15 a.m., Nov. 9, Nebraska Union, Platte River Room South

“The appointment of the assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning is a critical role in our efforts to streamline and expand diversity and inclusion education and leadership development opportunities at Nebraska,” said Marco Barker, vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. “Education is foundational to inclusive excellence and to the successful implementation of our N2025 Strategic Plan goals. Finding an innovative, thought leader to continue this work is important to the future of our institution, and I commend the search committee on their hard work.”

The search committee is chaired by Nick Monk, director of the university’s Center for Transformative Teaching.

“The search committee was delighted to receive a large number of high-quality applications for the AVC role from exceptionally well-qualified candidates,” Monk said. “The applications were particularly strong, and we are excited that (the finalists) will be sharing their ideas with us on their campus visit.”

For each public presentation, the candidates have been asked to describe how they would design inclusive leadership and learning experiences that leverages faculty, staff and students, and builds capacity for the university community to incorporate inclusive excellence in its practice, teaching, engagement and leadership.

Details about each candidate and links to provide feedback are  below.

Nebraska’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is tasked with collaborating across campus, shaping policies, protocols and practices necessary to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the university’s recruitment, retention, education and research efforts.

The assistant vice chancellor for inclusive leadership and learning reports to the vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and will serve as a leader in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. They will also be a leader of diversity education and leadership development for the university.

The position will develop and coordinate efforts that develop, build and enhance the diversity, equity and inclusive-based learning offered through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The assistant vice chancellor will develop and coordinate efforts that build diverse staff talent searches, onboarding, retention and success.

Additionally, the position will provide thought leadership, education and consultative services that facilitate a shared responsibility for advancing institutional learning goals; will provide support for university committees, groups and programs aimed at building an inclusive campus community; and will facilitate or lead programs and initiatives that positions the office and the university as a national model for diversity and inclusion.

Rory James

Public Presentation: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Nov. 8, Nebraska Union, Platte River Room South Attend via Zoom

James

Rory G. James is a higher education professional and diversity, equity and inclusion expert with more than 15 years of experience working with students, faculty and professionals from various backgrounds and identities.

James earned a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Tuskegee University.

His work in public health coupled with a social justice mindset makes James a unique practitioner in the field. Additionally, he has advised community organizations, state agencies, university administrators and staff, and non-profits on their respective diversity, equity and inclusion goals.

Currently, James is director of the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Prior to arriving at Indiana, he served as the director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While in Illinois James served on the Illinois HIV Planning Group. His background encompasses undergraduate and graduate student engagement and professional staff development in cross-cultural competency.

James has presented at dozens of local, regional and national conferences on diversity and access, cultural center development, student retention programs, men’s health and wellness, and health awareness.

The candidate evaluation form is available here.

Khrys FuQua’

Public Presentation: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Nov. 9, Nebraska Union, Platte River Room South Attend via Zoom

FuQua’

Khrys FuQua’ earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the Louisiana State University with a focus on higher education administration. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Delaware State University.

Over the course of his career, FuQua’ has held various progressive diversity, multicultural, academic and student affairs leadership positions at institutions including Louisiana State University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Southern University, University of Tennessee and Fort Valley State University.

FuQua’ has been the founder and leader of several inaugural diversity, equity, belonging, access and inclusion offices, as well as multicultural centers. He has served in numerous roles on collegiate campuses both nationally and internationally.

Uniquely, FuQua’ was a staff member, then a student, a campus supervisor, administrator and a professor.

Continuing his passion for historically underserved, marginalized and underrepresented populations, he is the lead diversity official and head of the academic and student affairs divisions at a non-profit focused on serving Black, indigenous and people of color, as well as underrepresented minority students in inner cities.

His research focuses intensely on achieving inclusive excellence, leadership, diversity, access, race/class/socio-economic theories, learning pedagogies, best practices, student development and engagement, social justice and anti-racism, multicultural affairs, equity, biases, retention-centered services and programing, academic success, and community development.

The candidate evaluation form is available here.