<p>Widener University President Julie E. Wollman has named <a href="ipl://20//WyI3OCJd">Professor Iva Johnson Ferrell</a> to serve as the university&rsquo;s chief diversity officer.<br /><br />Ferrell is an associate legal methods professor at <a href="{staticroot}">Widener University Delaware Law School</a>. She joined the law school faculty in 2003. As chief diversity officer, Ferrell will assist Wollman and the entire university community in reaching diversity and inclusion goals espoused in Widener&rsquo;s strategic plan.<br /><br />The goals include fostering a campus climate that values multiple perspectives and experiences and prepares all students for success in a diverse and global society; expanding and promoting access, equity and success for disadvantaged and underrepresented students, faculty, staff and administrators; creating and sustaining institutional structures and processes to support a culture of inclusivity; and promoting scholarship related to diversity and inclusive excellence.<br /><br />In addition, Ferrell will join university Provost Stephen Wilhite in co-chairing Widener&rsquo;s Diversity and Inclusion Council.<br /><br />&ldquo;I look forward to collaborating with colleagues in student affairs, human resources, and many other areas to elevate and celebrate our achievements and to identify opportunities related to enhancing diversity and inclusion at Widener,&rdquo; said Ferrell, who will continue to teach at Delaware Law School in addition to her new duties.<br /><br />Wollman said Ferrell will provide leadership for one of the most important dimensions of the Widener community.<br /><br />&ldquo;I am delighted that Professor Ferrell has agreed to take on this very important role, and I know that she is deeply committed to the work ahead. I am also confident that her excellent reputation for collaboration will be a strength as she works with students, faculty, and staff from all three of our campuses to exceed our goals,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;<br /><br />Ferrell received her B.A. in Economics from the University of Delaware in 1991, a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Rutgers Graduate School of Management in 1994, and a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1997.&nbsp;She lives in Montgomery County, Pa. with her two sons. Her head shot is available for download <a href="http://bit.ly/2dnrQFT">here.</a>&nbsp;<br /><br /><em>Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener comprises eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master&rsquo;s and doctoral degrees. The university has campuses in Chester and Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del. Visit&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.widener.edu"><em>www.widener.edu</em></a><em> to learn more.</em></p>
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<p>Contact:<br /> Mary Allen, Widener University Public Relations <br /> 302.477.2175 (desk), 302.562.9239 (cell)<br /> mallen@widener.edu</p>