Appointment of Chief Diversity Officer

May 1, 2018

To the Campus Community:

I am pleased to announce that following a national search, Natalie L. Mason-Kinsey, J.D., has been appointed Chief Diversity Officer (CDO), effective May 21, 2018. Reporting to me directly, the CDO serves as the university’s chief strategist in guiding efforts and creating opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion, educational and employment opportunity, and cultural proficiency. The CDO also helps lead the Commission on Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives and oversees efforts to review and assess the impact and effectiveness of a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs and activities relating to faculty, staff and students. The position also provides strategic oversight and direction to the Office of Equity and Diversity which is responsible for promoting and implementing equity and diversity programs in support of a working and learning environment, and conducting investigations related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation, including the principles and compliance requirements of Title IX.

Ms. Mason-Kinsey joins us from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Bus Company, New York City, where she serves as the Chief Officer for Equal Employment Opportunity. She is also very familiar with the public higher education environment, having served prior to her current position as CDO for Brooklyn College; Director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Compliance and Diversity at the City College of New York; and Affirmative Action Officer for Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College, also in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington and a law degree from Howard University School of Law.

My thanks to the search committee for its diligent work. The search was chaired by Vice President William Watkins and the committee's members included Farrell Webb, Dean of the College of Health and Human Development; Adam Swenson, Faculty President; Sean Murray, Professor of Biology; Rosa Rivera Furumoto, Professor of Chicano/a Studies; Jonathan Goldenberg, President, Associated Students; and Judy Schmidt-Levy, Counselor, University Counseling Services.

I also wish to thank Ms. Susan Hua, Director of Equity and Diversity and Title IX Coordinator, for serving as administrator in charge for the CDO office during the search and transition.

Given the university's commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, I look forward to Natalie joining us at CSUN and ask that you join me in giving her a warm welcome when she arrives.

Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President