photo by: Contributed

Nicole Hodges Persley

After a national search, the University of Kansas has selected a KU professor to serve as the next vice provost for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging.

KU on Thursday named Nicole Hodges Persley to the position. She has been serving in that role in an interim capacity since January.

Hodges Persley, who was selected from four finalists, is an associate professor of American studies and African & African American studies and holds a courtesy faculty appointment in the Department of Theatre & Dance. She also previously served as associate dean for diversity, equity & inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

“I’m pleased Nicole will continue leading our efforts to ensure that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are integrated into everything we do at KU. As interim vice provost, Nicole has worked with campus leaders to create a framework that will guide and facilitate improvement in every academic and administrative unit on KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses,” said Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor, in a news release Thursday.

Bichelmeyer said that Hodges Persley would focus on outreach and engagement with students, faculty and staff to strengthen relationships, and would work closely with campus leaders to prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the strategic and financial plans, and in hiring and employee support.

“I feel fortunate to continue this important work at KU,” Hodges Persley said in the release. “I especially value my relationships with faculty, staff and students across campus and the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated team within the DEIB office.”

Hodges Persley joined the KU faculty in 2009 and has received awards and honors in recognition of her teaching, mentoring and campus contributions.

She took over as interim vice provost for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging after the interim leader of the office, D.A. Graham, resigned in the wake of an incident in which he acknowledged sending out a campuswide Martin Luther King Jr. Day message that was largely plagiarized from another source.