Rodney Parker, Ph.D., named chief equity and inclusion officer

Dear  Students,

I’m delighted to announce that Rodney Parker, Ph.D., has been selected as Loyola’s chief equity and inclusion officer, effective immediately. Since he stepped into the role of acting chief equity and inclusion officer last July, Dr. Parker has led with skill, dedication, and a commitment to seeing through the implementation of the University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan.

When Dr. Parker joined the Loyola community in 2002, he served for two and a half years as an assistant director in what is now the Center for Community, Service, and Justice. In 2005, he assumed the role of director of ALANA Services, where he continued to lead the expansion of this office and role until July 2019 when he assumed the role of assistant dean of undergraduate and graduate studies.

Dr. Parker holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Duke University, and a Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling and a doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Loyola.

We are fortunate to have, in Dr. Parker, a leader who can continue the exceptional work started by Cheryl Moore-Thomas, Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, who was the inaugural chief equity and inclusion officer. This is critically important work for our Jesuit, Catholic institution, and we will continue to lean into it and strive to become a more inclusive community where everyone feels they belong.

I am also pleased to announce that the office of Title IX, compliance, and assessment, led by David Tiscione, will now be housed within the office of equity and inclusion, under the leadership of the chief equity and inclusion officer, who reports directly to the president. Aligning the office of Title IX with the office of equity and inclusion will further reinforce Loyola’s commitment to continue preventing and addressing issues of sexual- and gender-based misconduct for students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the University.

Thank you to the interview committee, especially Dr. Robert Kelly, vice president and special assistant to the president, who chaired the search, and to everyone who gave input during the search process.

Sincerely,

Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D.
President