Drury appoints diversity, inclusion associate dean

Provided by Drury University

Rosalyn Thomas leads diversity and inclusion efforts at Drury.

Drury University this week announced the appointment of an associate dean of diversity and inclusion.

A Drury employee since 2013, Rosalyn Thomas started in her new role on Jan. 1 after the exit of Chief Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion Officer Marilyn Harris, according to a news release. Harris' LinkedIn profile indicates she started in January as director of human resources for Eastern Mennonite University in Virginia.

In her new associate dean position, Thomas oversees diversity and inclusion efforts at Drury by raising visibility efforts and assessing programs.

“Dr. Thomas’ role at Drury is pivotal to the success of our students and our organization,” Drury President Tim Cloyd said in the release. “As associate dean, she serves on my senior leadership team, and we will rely on her expertise to help foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all Drury students.”

Thomas has worked the past nine years as coordinator of diversity support services for Drury's student affairs division. Her tenure has been marked by leadership of the Drury Bridges program that assists minority students in transitioning to college, revitalization of the Black United Independent Collegians at the school and chair work on the president's council for diversity and inclusion.

“I’m happy to serve the university in this new capacity,” Thomas said in the release. “Every Drury student deserves to feel recognized, included and appreciated, and my work will help to further those efforts.”