Caldwell and Foster have new roles in the college's support for student inclusion and diversity
Theo Caldwell and Kyle Foster from the Diversity Programs Office (DPO) have new roles in support of student inclusion and diversity in the Michigan State University College of Engineering.
Caldwell, who served as the DPO director for the past nine years, assumes the role of assistant dean for Student Inclusion and Diversity.
Foster, who has served as assistant director for nine years, is the new DPO director.
Dean Leo Kempel congratulated both leaders in making the announcement.
"I am confident that this reorganization will better position the college to continue to make progress as we work to leverage the cultural richness of our college, campus and community," Kempel said, noting the change was made in consultation with the Engineering College Advisory Committee and the Office of the Provost.
Caldwell has been part of DPO for 11 years. In his new role, both DPO and Women-in-Engineering (WIE) will report to him.
He will coordinate and lead efforts to diversify the student body and enhance an inclusive culture in the college through strategic leadership. He will also lead efforts in fundraising for existing programs and new initiatives.
Caldwell will continue to serve as co-PI for the NSF-funded Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (MI-LSAMP). He will also hold a partial appointment in the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, where he will provide leadership of a campus-wide bridge program.
Foster will be responsible for the recruitment, retention and the graduation of traditionally underrepresented minority students interested in engineering careers. He will provide overall direction and management of the program, implementing/managing programming, facilitating undergraduate research opportunities, and teaching and facilitating orientation courses. He will also continue to serve as the MSU site director for the MI-LSAMP.
"I am confident that this reorganization will better foster a climate and culture that respects and values a broad range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences and impact the diversity of our students, faculty and staff," Kempel added.