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In the fall of 2022, the  expanded its role and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by welcoming Dr. Russell Morrow as the first assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in Business at 51����.

The previous role of assistant director of DE&I became vacant, leaving Jackie Rees-Ulmer, dean of the College of Business, along with the college's Executive Advisory Board (EAB), the runway to champion this new initiative.

"I want the College of Business at 51���� to be the most inclusive and welcoming in the state, region, nation, and even world,” said Rees-Ulmer. "Organizations perform better when led and surrounded by different views, voices, and experiences. To prepare our students for these roles, we must also be diverse. To thrive as a college, we must be welcoming, accepting, inclusive, and equitable and create a place where all students, faculty, and staff feel they belong." 

Morrow earned both his Bachelor of Communication and his Master of Education degree from 51���� and returned to the state of Ohio to get his Doctoral Degree in Education Administration from Ohio State University in 2021.

The two-time OHIO graduate didn't need much convincing to return to Athens and work to enhance the diversity efforts in the College of Business.

"The opportunity to lead DE&I work for the College of Business, coupled with my love for OHIO and Athens, made it an easy choice,” Morrow said.

Morrow comes to OHIO after spending time at the University of California- Davis, Ohio State University, and Denison University. His cross-functional work in residence life, academic advising, orientation, multicultural affairs, and teaching has allowed him to embrace his work as a scholar and a practitioner.

“I pride myself on having the ability to think about DE&I work holistically and from multiple perspectives, and with both a practical and theoretical lens,” Morrow said. "Additionally, this work requires being connected to and aware of what's happening worldwide and how it impacts the college experience. Thus, I also maintain a pulse on current trends, social movements, and real-world issues connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion."

Morrow says he has been learning, listening, observing, and building relationships. So far, he has worked to increase DE&I educational opportunities for faculty and staff, offer student learning opportunities, support DE&I efforts in student organizations throughout the college, consult with faculty on classroom issues, and engage with alumni wanting to ensure that DE&I remains a top focus of the college.

"It's been great to come into a space where DE&I work has already been happening,” Morrow added. "Dean Rees-Ulmer and the College of Business have a long-standing commitment to DE&I, so now I can help elevate those efforts."

The College of Business’ goal, as well as that of the entire University, is to create a culture where all members feel represented, heard, supported, valued, and capable of success.