Porras selected to lead diversity efforts at Dominican University

LAWRENCE — After a 15-year career at the University of Kansas, Precious Porras is leaving to take the next step in her career. Porras, assistant vice provost for student affairs, was selected to be the chief diversity officer for Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

Porras first joined KU in 2005 as assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. She was appointed director of OMA in 2015 and took on additional leadership responsibilities in 2017 as assistant vice provost for diversity & equity. In that role, she continued to provide oversight and leadership for OMA, the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity and the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity. More recently, Porras was named assistant vice provost for student affairs, where she continued to maintain oversight of OMA, SGD and the Emily Taylor Center.

“This is so bittersweet. KU has been my home for a very long time,” Porras said. “When leaving is this hard, I know that is an indication of how meaningful the work has been and how great the relationships are. I am excited for this next step in my career. I will continue to advocate for the most marginalized, fight against injustice and continue the hard work of creating spaces that are more inclusive. No matter where my journey takes me, I will ‘remember my nest.’”

Tammara Durham, vice provost of student affairs, expressed gratitude for Porras and her influence on KU.

“Precious and I have been colleagues since her arrival in 2005. She has been instrumental in leading the university toward a more socially just community. I have appreciated her support, leadership and counsel. Precious has acted boldly toward a better KU,” Durham said.

Porras’ last day at KU will be March 19. A search for the next AVP of Student Affairs will begin later this spring.