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Nazareth College welcomes Associate Vice President for Community and Belonging Wayne Hilson Jr.

Rochester, NY (12/14/2021) — Nazareth College introduces Wayne Hilson Jr. Ph.D., as associate vice president for community and belonging. He will oversee the Office for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Education (ODIEE) and provide leadership for the Student Access and Achievement Programs. He has more than 20 years of experience facilitating effective, equitable environments for diverse student populations. He started his new role on December 6.

"Nazareth College strongly values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and Wayne's experience will be an important piece of engaging our campus community as we continue the impactful work of building on our commitment for an inclusive and equitable campus," said Nazareth Vice President for Community and Belonging Lisa Durant-Jones.

Hilson has led offices and programs, and tailored initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and academic affairs at Purdue University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and most recently at Cornell University where he led a centralized hub that provided academic and professional development support and resources for undergraduate students who are traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved in higher education.

"My own career trajectory from engineer to higher education administrator is unique and has served as a valuable lens through which to view the holistic, lifelong development of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences," said Hilson.

As a scholar-practitioner, his interests include the assessment of diverse-student participation in high-impact practices as well as how these students develop, and ultimately enact, both academic/career capital and agency in higher education environments.

Hilson holds a Ph.D. in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University, and both a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.

Media Attachments

Wayne Hilson Jr. named Nazareth College associate vice president for community and belonging.

Nazareth College

Julie Long, Chief Public Relations Officer | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (c) | jlong2@naz.edu

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