The Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, which houses Kansas University's Office of Multicultural Affairs, is shown on KU's campus in this file photo from April 25, 2008.

The director of Kansas University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs announced some recent internal promotions that she hopes will allow conversations on diversity to continue without a hiccup.

Precious Porras, who was appointed to her position as director of the OMA in December, announced that Cody Charles, who was serving as associate director for academic enrichment programs, on Sunday took over her former position as associate director for diversity education and social justice programs.

“As the University continues to craft our diversity framework, develop an institutional plan for training and education, and given the climate we are facing in the fall, it was in the best interest of the office to appoint someone who is already involved in all of these conversations,” Porras said in the announcement. “By hiring Cody Charles, we can continue the conversation, not put it on pause.”

Mauricio Gomez, who was serving as a retention specialist in the office, was appointed Sunday to Charles’ vacated position. Porras said in her announcement that Gomez has been part of Hawk Link, the office’s retention-based program designed to assist students of color and first-generation students in transitioning into freshman year at KU, and has helped the program become successful.

“It is a natural transition for (Gomez) to replace Cody Charles and one that will ensure that we continue to serve our students without taking a pause,” Porras said in the announcement.

The office’s other current retention specialist, Camille Clark, is leaving KU to work at American University, Porras said in the announcement.

The office is now looking to fill a new position of academic inclusion coordinator, which will work to create more inclusive classrooms and curriculums. The office is also seeking two academic advisers. More information is available at employment.ku.edu.