"We are fortunate to have been able to attract Annie Allen to this position at such a critically important time for our institution," said Provost Robert B. Low. "She possesses the right combination of professional and inter-personal skills to build on the progress the institution has made in the areas of racial diversity and justice. What is particularly noteworthy is her demonstrated ability to bring communities together and to implement change at all levels of an organization."
Allen has been the assistant director of multicultural affairs at Fairleigh Dickinson University, among the largest private universities in New Jersey, since 1992. Among her responsibilities, she has developed and implemented the university´s affirmative action policy and procedures, conducted diversity education and training, directed the multicultural summer camp and co-directed the Holocaust Education Center.
She chaired the New Jersey State Commission on Racism, Racial and Religious Violence from 1990 to 1994. In this position she worked with government and law enforcement officials, educational institutions, and religious and community groups in the formation of county human relations commissions. She also authored a report to the governor and legislature on the status of racism and prejudice in the state, which included recommendations based on public testimony.
"What I have witnessed at UVM is a university community struggling to make positive change," said Allen. "Change never comes without some conflict and tension. Progress is never made without struggle. What I have also witnessed at UVM are many individuals who genuinely want to make progress. There is a desire among most students, faculty, staff and administrators to create a campus environment that is based on racial, ethnic and religious equality and justice."
She continued, "My job will be to provide the necessary leadership and vision to help the university community maximize the advantages of its increasing diversity. Will there be problems along the way? Sure -- but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Allen has worked in a variety of other legislative, political and educational settings. She holds a master´s degree in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial labor relations from Empire State College, S.U.N.Y. She also received a certification to teach holocaust studies from the Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem, Israel.
As the executive officer for cultural pluralism and racial equality at UVM, Allen will have a leadership role in formulating policy, setting priorities and implementing an action plan for the institution. The executive officer is expected to help form collaborative partnerships, translate policy and ideas into concrete actions and bring people of all cultures and backgrounds together as a community. Allen will be involved in the implementation of curricular programs and initiatives, the development and refinement of plans to increase faculty, staff and student diversity, and in the application of methods to improve the racial climate.
She is scheduled to begin her new job on June 1.
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