Jonathan Smith, Ph.D., Appointed Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement

In addition to his current responsibilities, the University’s Cross Cultural Center (CCC) and the Center for Global Citizenship (CGC) will now fall under Smith’s leadership.

In this current structure, the VP for diversity and community engagement will act as director of the CCC. Further supplemental support is being developed in the form of faculty associates for recruitment, retention and diversity, and scholarships and initiatives. Smith will maintain his connections with the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX and the President’s Diversity Council. This new structure builds greater continuity between Academic Affairs, Student Development, and the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement.

Smith has been a fierce advocate for programming that promotes cultural competency, literacy, and fluency; racial, gender and cultural support; and connecting SLU to the greater St. Louis community. He maintains regular engagement with students and with faculty — in groups and one-on-one meetings – and his new role with the CGC and CCC will only enhance that contact and collaboration.

In 2015, Smith was appointed as the first special assistant to the president for diversity and community engagement, which was renamed chief diversity officer last fall.