The University of Kansas has hired a new assistant vice provost who will focus on improving equity and diversity issues that impact KU staff members.

Erin Duran, a former director of gender and sexuality programs at Connecticut College, has been named as KU’s new assistant vice provost in the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

While at Connecticut College, he was closely involved in staff advocacy efforts, KU said in a press release announcing his selection.

“I’ve been part of some really big wins as far as establishing more inclusive bereavement policies and parental leave policies for staff,” Duran said.

In his new role, Duran is expected to provide KU employees and leaders with training and strategies to achieve outcomes related to diversity and equity. He said staff members — nonfaculty positions — often are left out of such discussions, as more attention is often turned to student and faculty concerns.

“All staff jobs are important,” Duran said. “All those experiences need to be understood and spoken to in the work that DEIB is going to do.”

Duran is slated to begin work at KU on Aug. 16.