The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on Wednesday that it is making a leadership adjustment. Dr. LaVar Charleston will be departing from his role as vice chancellor of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement. He has served in this position for the past three years. Dr. Charleston will still remain as a member of the UW-Madison staff. However, he will be reverting to his prior role as a clinical professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement admitted that it is dealing with some concerning financials. Dr. Charleston’s change in roles was an effort to address these fiscal problems.
In the past, Dr. Charleston has made it clear that he sought to use his position at the DDEEA to provide “leadership for the university’s efforts to maintain an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment where students, faculty, and staff can flourish and feel a deep sense of belonging”.
The exact details of the DDEEA’s finances have not yet been made public and are still undergoing review. However, the Division was notified on January 7th that its finances would be directed by the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration going forward. Despite the changes in leadership roles, the DDEEA will not be ceasing operations. Provost Charles Isbell Jr. will take on the role of Acting Director until further notice. UW-Madison has assured students that “The university remains steadfastly committed to ensuring all students and employees are offered the opportunity to thrive and find a sense of belonging on campus”. For the time being, programs are not expected to be cut and students will not experience any major changes.
The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement was founded in 2009 by Dr. Damon A. Williams. Since then, it has functioned as a way to promote diversity, community, and inclusive excellence. The program utilizes a shared governance format that is intended to provide equitable representation. The DDEEA seeks to give a voice to several committees, such as the Committee for Women, the LGBTQ+ Committee, and the Campus Diversity and Climate Committee.
