University of Colorado at Boulder Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Robert Boswell. (8-31-10) (CU Independent/Lee Pruitt)
Broadening the scope of his responsibilities for CU-Boulder, Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement Robert Boswell has been exploring his new post.
As of July 15, Vice Chancellor Boswell became responsible for CU’s diversity programs, which seek to recruit and retain a diverse body of students and faculty. Additionally, Boswell said his office works to resolve any diversity-related issues that may arise.
Boswell said he is enjoying his new assignment.
“I’m enjoying the job, it’s fun,” he said. “I’ve met lots of interesting parents and students. So that’s been good.”
Boswell became an assistant professor in MCD biology in 1986 and a professor in 1991. In addition, he was a teaching and graduate research assistant while completing his doctorate at CU from 1975 to 1981, according to a CU news release.
He said he is no stranger to this line of work. He has been a faculty member and co-director of The Colorado Diversity Initiative, which seeks to increase the diversity of students working in labs.
Boswell said one of his goals is to expand the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement’s outreach programs, which cull prospective students from around the state of Colorado.
Interim Provost Russell Moore said he thinks Boswell has what is necessary to fulfill his new role.
“Dr. Boswell’s leadership efforts in the Colorado Diversity Initiative in science, math and engineering and his commitment to underrepresented students on a national level will serve our students and faculty well at CU-Boulder,” Moore said. “I am thrilled to have an academician and researcher of Dr. Boswell’s caliber step in and fill this vital role as we continue the critically important work of ensuring diversity and inclusion on our campus.”
University of Colorado Student Government President Will Taylor, who has worked with Boswell since his appointment, said he has provided meaningful contributions.
“I have been fortunate enough to sit in on a number of meetings with Dr. Boswell following his appointment,” Taylor said. “I have been nothing but impressed with his contributions to the meetings and am confident that he will continue to serve the university in a beneficial manner.”
Taylor said he thinks Boswell’s background will serve him well in his new position.
“I am certain that his background as a renowned researcher and faculty member will complement his natural talents in making this university a better place,” Taylor said.
Contact CU Independent Photographer and Staff Writer Lee Pruitt at Lee.pruitt@colorado.edu.
