Seval Yildirim, professor of interdisciplinary studies and vice president for diversity initiatives, and chief diversity officer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has been named vice provost for inclusive excellence at the University at Buffalo. Earlier, Professor Yildirim was associate vice provost for faculty affairs and development and co-chief diversity officer at California State University, San Bernardino.
Professor Yildirim is a graduate of what is now Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. She holds a juris doctorate and an LLM degree from New York University School of Law. She also earned a master’s degree in international affairs from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.
Tracye Y. Davis is the inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. Davis has served the college as assistant director of performance, development, engagement, and talent acquisition since 2021.
A Michigan native, Davis attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn and transferred to Spring Arbor University in Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She earned a master’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and is working toward a doctorate in higher education from the University of Phoenix.
Xiomara Giordano was appointed assistant vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Empire State University in Saratoga Springs, New York. Giordano has been serving as director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and deputy college diversity officer at Bennington College in Vermont.
Giordano earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a master’s degree in higher education at the University at Albany.
Dr. Geneco comes to her new role from Tufts University in Massachusetts, where she has served as provost for the past four years. She is slated become the University at Buffalo's first woman president on August 10.
The new presidents are Laurie A. Boeding at the Technical College of the Lowcountry and Melissa Frank-Alston at Northeastern Technical College. Both women are expected to begin their presidencies on July 1.
Dr. McEwen comes to her new appointment following four years as president and vice chancellor of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. Earlier, she served in several leadership roles at the University of Toronto Mississauga. She received some of her education in the United States.
The new provosts are Barbara Rodriguez at the University of New Mexico, Bridget Chalk at Manhattan University in New York, and Jaci Lederman at Vincennes University in Indiana. All three women had been serving as their university's interim provost.
Dr. Howard joins Spelman from Ohio State University, where she has been serving as dean of the College of Engineering. She is a nationally recognized expert in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-centered technology.