University News

Ervin Named Interim Justice, Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Director

August 18, 2022

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- Carl Ervin, associate director of the Western Illinois University Multicultural Center (MCC), has been named the interim director of the new Office of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (JIDE) at WIU, effective Sept. 1.

Ervin was named the MCC program coordinator in December 2019, and was promoted to associate director in July 2021. He previously served as the former assistant director of the Office of Student Services at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI from 2015-2019, and as the director of the Office of Diversity at Carroll from 2012-2015. Ervin has also been the coordinator of the Black Resource Center at the Center for Inclusive Excellence/Student Life & Intercultural Relations at SIU-Carbondale, the coordinator for multicultural programs and services at SIU-C, a counselor for the Upward Bound College Prep Academy in St. Louis, the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Manchester University (IN) and a counselor of educational services and programs at Northern Illinois University.

"I am so pleased to have Carl accept the role of the interim director of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity at WIU. He is a thoughtful leader, with a multitude of experience leading diversity- and inclusivity-related initiatives and programs," said WIU President Guiyou Huang. "We are making great strides in ensuring a just, diverse, inclusive and equitable University for all, and Carl's leadership will further our priorities and goals in these critical areas."

Ervin earned a master's in education/counseling and guidance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a bachelor's degree in political science from Illinois State University.

"I'm honored and excited about the opportunities and the possibilities that await me as Western's new interim director of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity. Working together as a community dedicated to inclusive excellence, WIU will be the destination for students, faculty, and staff from diverse cultures, communities and backgrounds who are searching for a university where they feel accepted, welcomed, and supported," Ervin said. "We are dedicated to removing any obstacles to success, and we will continue to evolve so we can continue to provide outstanding academic, social and employment experiences and demonstrate unparalleled support for our students, faculty and staff. I'm so happy to be a part of these efforts."

The JIDE director, who reports to the president, is responsible for strengthening and advancing the University's commitment to being a just, inclusive, diverse, and equitable institution. The director actively engages with the University's students, faculty, staff, and administration to carry out the responsibilities of the position, including regular reports to the President and Senior Leadership Team on the status of JIDE initiatives and impact. The JIDE director leads and oversees the University's diversity plan; and shapes and implements appropriate strategies, policies, and procedures for the Office. In addition to having overall organizational and operational responsibility for JIDE, the director works collaboratively with University partners to develop and monitor student and staff diversity strategies. The director also creates and delivers educational workshops, programming, training, and tools to further support faculty, staff, and students in achieving a greater understanding of issues pertaining to JIDE.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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