Early Bird

Meet the final candidate for VP for diversity and inclusion

Michael Benitez will visit campus Friday to meet with faculty, staff and students.

By Lindsey Coulter

June 27, 2019

Michael Benitez Jr., Ph.D., a candidate for vice president for diversity and inclusion, will visit Metropolitan State University of Denver on Friday.

Benitez has served as chief diversity officer, dean of diversity and inclusion, and Title IX Officer for the University of Puget Sound since 2013, focusing on recruitment and retention of diverse faculty and staff, recruitment and retention of a diverse student body, and the cultivation of a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Prior to that, he directed the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership for Grinnell College.

Benitez received a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Iowa State University. He also holds a Master of Education in counselor education and a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. He has been widely published and frequently delivers keynote addresses, workshops and presentations on topics such as racism, colorism, free speech, bias, discrimination and more.

Benitez will meet with various University groups throughout the day, and faculty, staff and students are strongly encouraged to attend their respective open forums during each candidate’s visit:

10-11 a.m., SSB 440A – staff

2-3 p.m., SSB 237 (CMEI) – faculty and students

4-5 p.m., SSB 440A – community members

Please contact Shawn Worthy, Ph.D., interim assistant to the president for diversity, for questions concerning the candidate search and selection process. Stay tuned for more details on the remaining candidates.