Five Women Appointed to Diversity Posts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has hired six new assistant deans, one in each school and in the MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing, to serve as diversity, equity, and inclusion professionals. Five of the six appointees are women.

“MIT’s success in developing solutions to the world’s greatest challenges depends on our ability to attract and retain a diverse and collaborative community, and these appointments will help us strengthen that vibrant community,” says Provost Martin Schmidt. “This talented group will be an invaluable resource to everyone in our community.”

Alana Anderson is the new assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Schwarzman College of Computing. She was the director of programs for diversity and inclusion in the Office of the Provost at Boston University. Dr. Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in politics at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She holds a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in higher education from Boston College.

Nandi Bynoe was appointed assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Engineering. Since 2019, she had served as the associate dean of diversity and inclusion for the Schools of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering at Tufts University. Bynoe earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in educational studies from Tufts. University.

Kuheli Dutt will be the assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Science, effective August 1. Most recently, Dutt served as assistant director for academic affairs and diversity at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. Dutt holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi, India. She earned a Ph.D. in public policy from Northeastern University in Boston.

Tracie Jones was named assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Most recently, she was the director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in extension studies and sociology from Harvard University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Northeastern University in Boston.

Monica Orta was named assistant dean for diversity, equity, belonging, and student support in the School of Architecture and Planning. Since 2014, Orta has served as the director of diversity and student support at the MIT Media Lab. Orta earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Boston University and a master’s degree in education from Northeastern University in Boston.