BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Monica Johnson appointed to the new position of assistant vice president for diversity education and cross-cultural engagement effective September 1, 2020. Johnson served as the director of the Marcellus Neal and Frances Marshall Black Culture Center (NMBCC) for four years before assuming this new role. Gloria Howell, current assistant director of the NMBCC, will now serve as the director.

“Indiana University has a long-standing commitment to diversity and equity, and we are continuing this commitment through a whole new set of initiatives around antiracism at the university,” says James C. Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs; dean of The University Graduate School; and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership.

“Monica is a distinguished thought leader in diversity and inclusion. She is the ideal person to help us take a comprehensive look at the university’s diversity education practices and enact necessary changes that accelerate positive actions in matters of racial equity and social justice,” Wimbush adds.

In her new role, Johnson will serve as the university’s diversity education strategist responsible for building consensus and leading cultural change on issues of diversity, inclusion, and campus climate. She will report directly to Wimbush and work collaboratively with the administration, campus constituents, university committees, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents to champion diversity and inclusion best practices and to promote other institutional initiatives.

As part of her new role as director of the NMBCC, Howell will oversee all aspects of the NMBCC’s operations, as well as work to advance the university’s strategic plan and commitment to student success.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that as a university we constantly re-examine how we live up to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Yolanda Treviño, assistant vice president for strategy, planning, and assessment. “For decades, Indiana University has been at the forefront of this work, striving for a learning environment that embraces and supports people from all backgrounds. The NMBCC plays a vital role in contributing to this mission, and Gloria will be instrumental in this work.”

Media Contact
Elizabeth Blevins
Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs
Phone: 812-855-9772
Email: eablevin@iu.edu