UW-Madison Names New Chief Diversity Officer

MADISON, WI—The University of Wisconsin-Madison is welcoming a new chief diversity officer, LaVar Charleston, who will take on the role of leading the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts beginning August 2.

In this position, Charleston will head the university’s inclusive and diversity initiatives and hold the title of deputy vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion as well as vice provost. He will direct and supervise the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, or DDEEA, which works to ensure the campus is an inclusive environment that values a range of perspectives and those with different backgrounds.

Since 2019, Charleston has served as the associate dean of equity, diversity and inclusion at the UW-Madison School of Education. And with nearly two decades of experience in service, teaching, research and inclusion work at the university level, Charleston said in a video message he is looking forward to making sure UW-Madison “feels like home to everyone here.”

Being a former UW-Madison student—Charleston earned a master’s degree in 2007 and a Ph.D. in 2010 from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis—he can understand what students need, he explained.

“An important part of my history is that I was once a student, twice over, right here on this campus, and I need you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I absolutely cannot wait to connect with you,” Charleston said.

In an interview last fall, Charleston said he thinks the university should be leading a conversation on anti-racism that goes beyond the university.

“It’s important that the university affirm Black lives among our students, faculty, and staff,” he said.“Because of the Wisconsin Idea, which is that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom, we should be leading the way in the state of Wisconsin and in the broader society with an inspiring and permeating vision for anti-racism, for social justice, for equality, for diversity, for inclusion. And we’re working toward that, so I’m encouraged.”

Since July 2020, Cheryl Gittens has held the position of interim vice chancellor and chief diversity officer.