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News Release

Oct. 8, 2019

Northwest names Mallett as associate provost of diversity, inclusion


Dr. Justin Mallett

Dr. Justin Mallett

Northwest Missouri State University has announced Dr. Justin Mallet as its associate provost for diversity and inclusion, a restructured role charged with leading and coordinating the University’s efforts to create a diverse, equitable, inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, employees, alumni and community members.

Mallett has 13 years of higher education experience, including the last seven in diversity and inclusion roles. He joined the Northwest staff in 2017 as director of diversity and inclusion.

“I am looking forward to Dr. Mallett adding his vision and leadership to the areas of diversity and inclusion,” Northwest Provost Dr. Jamie Hooyman said. “With his background, education and experience, Dr. Mallett will add support to Northwest’s continued efforts to embrace inclusion across the campus and community.”

In his role, Mallett has primary responsibility for the development and direction of outreach and awareness programs that promote diversity education for the campus community. The individual also partners with academic and administrative departments to advance access, academic support and success for students and employees from marginalized backgrounds, enhance teaching and learning through diversity and inclusion, and assist with fostering an inclusive campus and community climate. 

“I am excited to continue the great work we are currently doing at Northwest Missouri State University,” Mallett said. “We have made some great strides toward creating an inclusive environment on campus and within the local community. I want to build on what we are doing now while mapping in a strong vision for the future."  

Northwest launched its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in spring 2016 with the unanimous approval of its Board of Regents. The move was an outcome of research, analyzing data and conversations with students, faculty, staff and community members. Northwest had provided diversity-focused programming for years, but diversity, equity and inclusion was not embedded in the University’s structure.

Dr. Juanita Simmons served as Northwest first vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion until departing the University in February. Mallett succeeds Simmons in a restructured capacity aimed at strengthening and aligning diversity and inclusion efforts with academic programs, allowing for enhancements to curriculum, policies and processes that impact underrepresented or marginalized students, faculty and staff.

“As an institution, we need to improve the retention and graduation rates of our underrepresented students, and we will work with our institutional departments to achieve this goal,” Mallett said. “I also want us to strive toward inclusive excellence where we are not just looking at race but all of the various identities that make Northwest the great campus it is, and we are reflecting on how our identities help shape us into future selves and makes our students career ready.”

Mallett’s professional experience includes work as director of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay’s American Intercultural Center and director of diversity and multicultural affairs at Illinois College as well as work as an admissions counselor and coordinator of new student orientation at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens-Point.

He earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. He has a master’s degree in communication and a bachelor’s degree in communication, with an emphasis on public relations, both from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.



Contact

Dr. Mark Hornickel
Administration Building
Room 215
660.562.1704
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu