Dear Colleagues,
I write to share the news that Associate Provost Assata Zerai has been selected to serve as the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at the University of New Mexico. Professor Zerai’s new appointment will begin in August. I hope you will all join me in congratulating her on this wonderful new step in her career and that you will reach out to her to personally share your good wishes. As you know, Professor Zerai has been a respected member of our faculty for many years and also an important voice and leader in our institutional efforts to create a more diverse and inclusive community. Professor Zerai’s personal and professional commitment to fostering a climate where all perspectives are welcome and where every individual’s lived experiences are valued has made this a better university for all of us.
The University of New Mexico will benefit greatly from her leadership and her ability to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion into the educational foundations of excellence of 21st century public research universities in this country. We all look forward to seeing the rapid and positive impact she will have on her new academic home.
Congratulations to Professor Zerai on this new opportunity. The University of New Mexico has added an outstanding and talented new member to its family.
Andreas C. Cangellaris
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
