Elon University has recently named Tyrone Guy Jean the new Director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity (CREDE) and the new Assistant Dean of Students July 6.
Jean had previously worked at Duke University since 2011, serving as the associate director of the Center for Multicultural Affairs. He is a graduate from the University of Virginia with a degree in African American Studies, and he received a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. His involvement in residential life programs, at Bucknell University and Virginia Tech, as well as his leadership role in Duke's diversity program, made him a good fit for the diversity and student life leadership roles at Elon.
"We were seeking someone who can lead efforts in supporting students of color while also making issues of identity, power, privilege, and oppression relevant to all Elon students," said Randy Williams, former director of the CREDE, and current associate vice president for Campus Engagement.
The CREDE has not had a permanent leader since April 2016, when Williams stepped down to serve in his elevated new role. Sylvia Munoz was made interim director last summer, as the search for a permanent leader of the CREDE began. But because of an unfruitful search, the position was taken down and reevaluated to find a more ideal candidate. Jean was recently chosen out of several other applicants, because of his leadership background and experience, Williams said. Williams believes Jean is a "good match" for the diversity initiatives Elon has established and the initiatives Elon hopes to carry out.
"Tyrone has the capacity to lead our diversity efforts, and I look forward to the outcomes," Williams said.
Jean's responsibilties, as CREDE's new Director, and Assistant Dean of Students involve providing expertise on issues of diversity and equality to students and staff at Elon while also heading new on-campus diversity education programs. He will serve as a student mentor, with the goal of enforcing a supportive environment for underrepresented students.
"I am eager and humbled to be joining the Elon family in a few short weeks," Jean said in a statement confirming his hire. "It is clear that Elon has positioned itself to continue on a path of excellence, and I could not be happier to utilize my skill set to help stay on that path."
He will begin at Elon on July 31.