MANHATTAN — Rana Johnson, a highly experienced higher education diversity leader and champion, will become Kansas State University's first vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, effective Dec. 1.
K-State President Richard Linton made Johnson's appointment following a national search. Johnson currently serves as associate vice president for inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.
"I am very proud of the great work of our university related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging," Linton said. "Kansas State University has come a long way, and with the hiring of Dr. Rana Johnson we have the opportunity to take this effort to the next level. I have full confidence that Dr. Johnson is the right person at the right time for K-State."
In her new role, Johnson will be K-State's senior executive responsible for guiding practices and creating opportunities to define, assess and promote inclusive excellence across all aspects of university life. She will provide strategic vision and leadership to effectively integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging into the work and culture of the university, working closely with university leadership, diversity point people and the university community to shape and implement investments, plans, and strategies aligned with institutional goals and creating a welcoming environment for all. She also will develop, oversee and manage K-State's new Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, including administrative oversight of the Office of Institutional Equity.