Search Begins For AA Officer


by Linda Charles

Nominations for a new affirmative action officer are being 
sought by the search committee, said committee chair Faye 
Whitaker, assistant provost. The committee, which is 
conducting a national search, plans to begin screening 
candidates in mid-October. An appointment could come early 
next year.

Former affirmative action officer David Torres resigned Aug. 
1, accepting an eight-month adjunct position in the 
department of professional studies in the College of 
Education. He plans to leave the university at the end of the 
appointment to move in a different career direction.

The affirmative action officer reports directly to the 
president. Duties include developing and monitoring equal 
opportunity and affirmative action policies and procedures to 
ensure compliance with federal, state and Board of Regents 
mandates; advising the administration, faculty and staff; 
participating in training programs; investigating internal 
complaints of discrimination; and acting as a liaison with 
federal and state enforcement agencies on compliance reviews.

The position requires a demonstrated commitment to the 
concepts of affirmative action and equal opportunity; 
significant knowledge of civil rights laws; an understanding 
of or experience in implementing a comprehensive equal 
opportunity/affirmative action program; and an advanced 
degree.

Whitaker said a joint faculty appointment would be possible 
and that those with academic expertise in affirmative action, 
sexual harassment, higher education or human resources are 
encouraged to apply.

Nominations may be given to the Affirmative Action Officer 
Search Committee at the Office of the President, 117 
Beardshear, or to any member of the search committee. The 
committee members are:

Whitaker, Veronique Cantrel, student; Nancy Eaton, dean of 
library services; Nani Ghoshal, professor of veterinary 
anatomy; Darlene Gluck, P&S Council president and manager of 
facility safety and engineering for the Institute for 
Physical Research and Technology; Hessie Harris, human 
resources legal specialist; Sally Johnson, secretary in 
facilities planning and management; Taysir Khatib, student; 
Theresa McCormick, professor of curriculum and instruction; 
Timothy McIlrath, associate professor of art and design; John 
Miranowski, professor and chair of economics; Theodore 
Okiishi, associate dean of engineering administration; Joyce 
Packwood, program coordinator in the dean of students office; 
Ron Peters, Faculty Senate president and professor of 
psychology; Ricardo Salvador, associate professor of 
agronomy; Ed Lewis (staff), associate provost; and Marcia 
Purdy (staff), secretary in the Provost's Office.

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contact:  Linda Charles, Internal Communications, (515) 294-
3129
updated:  9-15-95