University Affairs

USU's First VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Prepares for Fall

By Jen Wright |

Video by Taylor Emerson, Digital Journalist, University Marketing & Communications

Dr. Jane Irungu, Utah State University’s first vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, originally learned about USU as a sports fan. “I had never been to Utah before I started interviewing for this position,” she said. “But I was following Utah State very closely, because I’m a college football nerd.”

Now, she is getting a much more in-depth view of USU after starting her new role July 1. “I’m very grateful to be here and for the opportunity to be part of the USU community,” she said. “Folks have been very welcoming.”

Irungu has served as the associate provost of inclusive excellence at the University of Oklahoma. Her previous roles have included interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer for that university, as well as assistant vice president in the division of equity and inclusion and director of the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence at the University of Oregon.

She began her career as a high school teacher and then principal in Kenya before moving to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies.

“We are so excited to welcome Dr. Irungu to USU,” said President Noelle E. Cockett. “Her leadership and enthusiasm will help us build on the momentum we have already started in these important areas. We have a wonderful university community, and we will continue to improve it by ensuring everyone at USU feels they belong and are valued.”

Irungu’s immediate goals include completing the nuts-and-bolts details of opening a new vice-presidential office.

“As an inaugural VP, I have to put some basic systems in place: the office, an assistant, and talking with the president and other leadership about who is going to be part of the DEI division,” she said.

Several university units will move under the umbrella of diversity, equity and inclusion, including: the Inclusion Center, Latinx Cultural Center and Disability Resource Center, as well as the USU Eastern Center for Diversity & Inclusion.

“There are organizations here that are doing the work [of diversity, equity and inclusion],” Irungu said. “It’s good that there is a lot going on. But I also did notice that most of the work – however good it is – is very siloed.” Her vision, moving forward, is to change that.

“DEI work is really collaborative. It has to be,” Irungu said. “Because our goals and aspirations are to have an inclusive community, a diverse community, where everyone feels a sense of belonging. But if you don’t build that community, or work together, or coordinate projects or collaborate, you still may be doing the work – but not achieve the outcomes you’re looking for.

“I would hope that, in having this position, I help coordinate all these bits and pieces and encourage folks to work together.”

Irungu’s office is located in Old Main 112A. She can be reached at 435-797-1511 or jane.irungu@usu.edu.

WRITER

Jen Wright
Assistant Director for Strategic Communications
University Marketing and Communications
jen.wright@usu.edu

CONTACT

Amanda DeRito
Associate VP of Strategic Communications
University Marketing and Communications
435-797-2759
Amanda.derito@usu.edu


TOPICS

Diversity & Inclusion 248stories New Leadership 13stories

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