Three Women Selected for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Positions in Higher Education

Melanie Duckworth has been named executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Nevada Reno. A member of the university’s department of psychology faculty for over 20 years, she currently serves as associate dean of the College of Science and acting chair of the department of natural resources and environmental science.

Dr. Duckworth holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of New Orleans and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia.

Monica M. Smith has been appointed vice president for inclusion and belonging at the University of Richmond. Currently, she serves as the associate vice president for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging for the University of Wisconsin System. Prior to her current role, she served as vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer for Augustana College in Illinois.

Dr. Smith completed her undergraduate education at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, where she majored in social work. She holds a master’s degree in social work and a doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Mariana Ortega has been named the inaugural assistant vice president for diversity initiatives at New Mexico State University. She previously spent six years with the university serving in various student support roles. She currently serves as director of La Casa Cultural Latina at the University of Illinois.

Ortega holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational communications and master’s degree in college student personnel administration from the University of West Florida. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in human resources and development from the University of Illinois.