Jason Brooks is looking forward to his time in bluegrass country beginning next month, but he’s also grateful for his time in Emporia.
The Emporia native and Emporia State’s current assistant dean of students for diversity, equity and inclusion will be the University of Kentucky’s director for the Martin Luther King Center effective Sept. 24.
At the same time, Brooks says it is bittersweet to leave Emporia — and to leave Emporia State, where Brooks went from a student to his current position in about seven years. Brooks is proud of his work, including his help with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan — rolled out several months ago and now better than 80 percent through implementation.
ESU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jim Williams says a nationwide search will launch soon to fill the open position. Brooks says he is looking forward to seeing the imprint of his successor as Emporia State continues its work on diversity matters.
Noon Tuesday: ESU assistant dean for diversity takes post at University of Kentucky
Emporia State’s assistant dean of students for diversity, equity and inclusion has taken a position with the University of Kentucky.
Jason Brooks, an Emporia State graduate before accepting a position on campus and later moving up the administrative ladder, will become the new director of the University of Kentucky’s Martin Luther King Center effective Sept. 24. A native Emporian, Brooks began his professional career at ESU as a graduate student in the Multicultural Affairs program. After finishing his master’s degree, he then became the university’s director of Diversity and Inclusion in 2012 before being named to his current position last year. Brooks also played a big role in creating the ESU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plan rolled out several months ago.
Brooks’ new duties including strategic oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives as well as recruitment, retention and graduation of Kentucky’s student populations.
ESU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jim Williams says a nationwide search will launch soon to fill the open position.
