Liv Newman was appointed the interim chief diversity officer in February, after the university’s search for someone to fill the role began in November.
The Black Collegians of Loyno went to the Rev. Kevin Wildes, S.J., university president, with a petition and a list of demands to increase diversity on campus. One of these demands was to hire a chief diversity officer.
“I feel honored and excited to have been chosen as the interim chief diversity officer. I look forward to working with students, staff, faculty and alumni in order to ensure that Loyola is moving ever closer to fulfilling its mission and exemplifying our Jesuit values,” Newman said.
Newman laid out her goals for the position.
“My primary goals are to:
1) Collaborate with the Loyola community to create and implement a diversity plan which will incorporate the views and needs of community members.
2) In particular ask that students, staff and faculty reach out to me if they have concerns/issues that they would like to see addressed and provide recommendations for changes they believe are necessary. I view this position as one that will work in close collaboration with Loyola community members to affect positive change.”
Newman looks to inspire change at Loyola and promote more action to bring about the discussion of diversity.
“I hope to positively affect the changes that staff, administrators, faculty, and students want to see happen at Loyola. My position has ties to many departments and constituencies across campus. I have many years of experience in various positions at Loyola. My first job after college was in Loyola admissions. My work in faculty development provided the opportunity to work with many people in various campus offices and departments,” Newman said.
Newman pointed to her teaching experience as something beneficial.
“Teaching has provided me with a special vantage point. In short, I have many years of experience in higher education, and at Loyola specifically. Those years of experiences and connections with people from across campus provides me with a good foundation for being able to complete many of the tasks required of this position.”
Newman explained what she believed was the primary goal of Loyola.
“Everything that staff and faculty do at Loyola is for our students. If they feel that they have needs that are not being met, then they absolutely should voice those concerns and issues. This is a very special community and I believe that everyone here wants to see every member feel welcome and included,” Newman said.
