Dr. Mark McCloud has been named interim chief diversity and inclusion officer at the University of Tennessee at Martin and will assume duties Aug. 1. In this new role, McCloud will be responsible for developing a comprehensive cultural competency plan for faculty, staff and students in order to promote institutional diversity and inclusion.
“As a proud UTM alumnus and change agent, I am honored to serve in this crucial role at this time in our university’s history,” McCloud said. “I want UT Martin to reflect diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do. As an institution, we should be leaders in creating a welcoming and supportive community for all, while learning and respecting the unique individual cultures that make us one.”
McCloud will also be responsible for providing oversight to the Chancellor’s Cabinet concerning campus issues related to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, as well as partnering with the university community to implement programs, like the Multicultural Center for underrepresented student groups, to foster diversity and increase minority retention rates.
“I’m honored that Dr. McCloud has accepted the opportunity to serve as the interim chief diversity and inclusion officer at the University of Tennessee at Martin,” said Chancellor Keith Carver. “Mark is well-suited to guide the university in the areas of inclusion and cultural awareness.”
McCloud graduated from UT Martin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in economics and holds both a Master of Arts degree in higher education with an emphasis in student personnel services, as well as a doctorate in higher education from the University of Mississippi. McCloud currently serves as the director of Career Planning and Development, a position that he has held since 2016. McCloud has also served as the interim assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs in his time at UT Martin.
The chief diversity and inclusion officer position was recommended by the UT Martin Strategic Plan Inclusion Task Force to provide strategic leadership in creating a welcoming and inclusive university.
For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.
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