KU Office of Multicultural Affairs welcomes new director


Blane Harding


LAWRENCE — Following a nationwide search, the University of Kansas Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) has a new director, Blane Harding, who began his new role July 2.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Blane to the KU campus as the new leader of one of our most long-standing, active and important offices," said Fred Rodriguez, vice provost for Diversity and Equity. "The Office of Multicultural Affairs plays a fundamental role in enhancing and strengthening our diversity and inclusion at KU. Blane's arrival is timely as we focus on areas of emphasis that align with our institutional mission and direction."

OMA is located in the Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center and provides academic support, diversity education, and a variety of resources on multicultural and diverse programs and activities at KU and in the surrounding community.

"At KU, there is a strong foundation of support for the programs at OMA that drew me to campus," said Harding. "Add to that the focus on diversity in KU's strategic plan, and this is a very exciting time for our office with endless opportunities to build on that foundation. I look forward to visiting with my new colleagues across campus about how we can continue to grow our multicultural programs in ways that enhance KU's academic mission."

Harding joins KU from Colorado State University, where for the past decade he served as director of Advising, Recruitment and Retention for the College of Liberal Arts and as the university's prelaw adviser. Harding has taught courses in African-American history and ethnic studies for the past 21 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Communication from SUNY at Brockport and his master's degree in 19th century American history from Colorado State University.

Harding assumes the permanent directorship of OMA from Rueben Perez, who served as interim director in addition to his duties as director of the Student Involvement & Leadership Center.


Thu, 07/26/2012

author

Gavin Young

Media Contacts

Gavin Young

KU Office of Public Affairs

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