Dear Campus Community,
It’s my pleasure to announce today that I have appointed NaTashua R. Davis, executive director of the Access & Leadership Development Unit at MU, as interim vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. Dr. Davis is replacing Kevin McDonald, who announced earlier this year that he is leaving for a similar position at the University of Virginia. She starts her new position on July 26.
I am thrilled that she is ready and eager to serve in such a critical role for MU. She brings incredible institutional knowledge and an unmatched appreciation and understanding for our students, faculty and staff that makes her the right person to lead this important division.
In her current role, Dr. Davis is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of programs, initiatives and training designed to engage and impact students from underserved and underrepresented populations throughout the various stages of the student life cycle, from kindergarten through college. She oversees several initiatives, including Men of Color Honor & Ambition (MOCHA) and Women of Color Honor & Ambition (WOCHA), the Emerging Leaders Academy, BackTalk (a program focused on learning through the arts), and the Graduate Scholars of Excellence program.
Additionally, Dr. Davis is the director of the MU McNairs Scholars Program, a national project funded by the U.S. Department of Education that is designed to prepare and support students entering graduate school and who are the first in their families to attend college or who are from underrepresented populations.
Dr. Davis has earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in college student personnel from Kansas State University. In April 2012, she earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from MU.
Dr. Davis is surrounded by leaders within the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity who are prepared to work alongside her and carry forward the initiatives that began under Vice Chancellor Kevin McDonald. This team has and will continue to do great things for Missouri’s flagship institution.
We will begin a national search for the permanent position in the coming months.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Davis on her new appointment!
Sincerely,
Alexander N. Cartwright, PhD
Chancellor