KU Student Affairs announces leadership appointments


LAWRENCE – The University of Kansas Office of Student Affairs has appointed two individuals to new positions who have years of experience focusing on diversity and equity efforts at KU.

After a national search launched in the spring, Kevin Joseph was selected to serve as an assistant vice provost in Student Affairs with a focus on diversity and equity efforts. Since February, Joseph has served as the interim director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) while continuing his role as director of assessment and strategic initiatives. A search to fill the director position of the Office of Multicultural Affairs will take place later this fall. In the interim, Jordan Brandt has agreed to fill the role.

Both Joseph and Brandt will transition to their new positions Oct. 4.

“I am thrilled to welcome Kevin and Jordan to their new roles,” said Tammara Durham, vice provost for Student Affairs. “They bring a great deal of experience and knowledge in working to elevate diversity and equity at KU. They will play a major role in lifting our most vulnerable populations and fostering a community culture consistent with the values of the university for all students, faculty and staff.”

Kevin JosephJoseph will serve as a senior member on the Student Affairs leadership team and provide overall leadership and direction for Student Affairs Assessment, the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity, OMA and the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity.

Additionally, Joseph’s position will coordinate the University Awards Program and lead Student Affairs’ strategic approach to elevate diversity, equity and social justice across all programs and services.  

“I am honored with the opportunity to serve as assistant vice provost for Student Affairs,” Joseph said. “I look forward to supporting the work of each reporting unit and working with campus and community partners to ensure we are providing our students with an equitable experience at KU.”

During his time leading KU’s assessment efforts, Joseph oversaw the development, implementation and assessment of Student Affairs’ strategic planning efforts. He was the impetus and provided the initial leadership for student and staff of color support efforts, as well as The Connect, which serves as a monthly opportunity for KU students to learn about available campus resources and student organizations. He has served as an adviser to student organizations that support students of color, facilitated social justice retreats and completed the Social Justice Fellows Program.

Joseph received his doctorate in higher education administration and a master’s degree in educational research methodology from Louisiana State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master of business administration from Florida A&M University.

Joseph is also eager to welcome Brandt as the interim director of the OMA. Brandt, who currently serves as assistant director in the Academic Retention and Engagement Center, will be instrumental in advancing KU’s student equity and inclusion efforts, overseeing the OMA program and service development, and preparing the office for its next director.

“I am pleased and excited that Jordan has agreed to serve as interim director in the OMA,” Joseph said. “Throughout her time at KU, she has consistently supported and advocated for marginalized and underserved student populations. I have full confidence that Jordan will successfully lead the OMA’s efforts to create a community in which students feel validated and encouraged to live in their full authenticity.”

Jordan BrandtBrandt began her KU career in the OMA serving as an academic adviser specifically supporting students of color, LGBTQIA+ students and undocumented students. Additionally, she developed and presented social justice education in conjunction with campus partners. In her current role in the Academic Retention and Engagement Center, she supports undergraduate students of color, first-generation students and Pell-grant eligible students. She holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from KU and a bachelor’s degree in health and physiology from the University of Iowa.

“It is a pleasure to return to the Office of Multicultural Affairs as interim director,” Brandt said. “Centering the experiences of the most vulnerable populations and advocating for their individual and collective needs has always been a personal and professional commitment of mine. I am looking forward to supporting the OMA staff in elevating and expanding their work.”

Fri, 10/01/2021

author

Evan Riggs

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Evan Riggs

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