July 7, 2021
New duties for two Division of Student Life directors
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students, has announced new assignments for two directors in the Division of Student Life.
Effective July 12, Mirta Chavez will become interim associate vice president for multicultural students affairs. Chavez is currently senior director of multicultural services and programs and executive director of Project IMPACT. She will replace Adrian Rodriguez, who was named vice president of student engagement and success at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Chavez will serve while a search is conducted for the permanent associate vice president.
"In her interim role, Mirta will provide the operational continuity necessary as we approach the fall semester," Lane said. "We want to maintain momentum going forward with programs and services provided by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs."
Chavez has been at the forefront of multiculturalism and diversity efforts across the university since joining K-State in 2004, including leading the programming for K- State's annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Week and involvement in the Morris Family Multicultural Student Center planning and staffing, and the Action Plan for a More Inclusive K-State. As senior director of multicultural services and programs, Chavez is in charge of long-term strategic planning and program development. She develops programs and services to increase the recruitment, retention and ultimate graduation of underrepresented students at K-State. She provides support to multicultural student groups and their advisors, and counsels and consults with students, faculty, staff and alumni on the importance of building an inclusive and welcoming environment at the university. Chavez, who is finishing up her doctorate in student affairs and counseling from K-State, has a bachelor's in psychology and master's in counseling from Fort Hays State University.
Corey Williamson, executive director of the K-State Student Union, is taking on additional duties to oversee the Division of Student Life’s "Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation" efforts. K-State is seeking an official designation by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, or TRHT, campus center. The application process will occur during the next academic year.
"TRHT campus centers help prepare the next generation of leadership to focus on advancing justice and promoting racial understanding," Lane said. "The application process is highly competitive and Corey will be able to provide leadership and guidance for our campus communities."
Williamson, who joined K-State in fall 2018 as the Union's executive director, has been actively involved in diversity and inclusion efforts at the university, including the working group for the "Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation" framework at K-State, a part of the Action Plan for a More Inclusive K-State; the planning team for KSUnite; and a Morris Family Multicultural Center project action team member.