Earlier this month I hired Dr. Algerian Hart as interim chief diversity officer and assistant to the president. He replaces Wes Pratt who retired Aug. 1.

Algerian served as associate dean of our Graduate College. Before coming to Missouri State, he worked at Western Illinois University, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Seattle Pacific University.

Algerian has a robust academic record related to diversity, equity and inclusion including dozens of publications and presentations in the United States and abroad. He also serves as a faculty evaluator for the American Council on Education and a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

Much of Algerian’s research and other work focuses on improving academic success of diverse students. I’m confident he’ll use that expertise to help in our efforts to create a more inclusive campus.

Committed to inclusive excellence

Cultural competence is one of the pillars of our public affairs mission, and inclusiveness is a critical value that guides our campus.

Our long-range plan emphasizes the university’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

All of us must do our part to make everyone feel welcome and a sense of belonging at Missouri State University regardless of their race, nationality, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and broadly diverse backgrounds, experiences, and characteristics.

Everyone has a place at this university, and every single student and member of our faculty and staff are important to the fabric of our community.

Algerian will pick up where Wes left off in leading our efforts to make our campus and our community more inclusive. I hope you are as excited as I am to partner with Algerian in this work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!