ALBANY, N.Y. — The SUNY board of trustees has appointed Ricardo Nazario-Colón, Ph.D. as the senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer (CDO). The appointment becomes effective on May 15. He is currently serving as the inaugural chief diversity officer and inclusive executive at Western Carolina University, a role he […]
ALBANY, N.Y. — The SUNY board of trustees has appointed Ricardo Nazario-Colón, Ph.D. as the senior vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer (CDO).
The appointment becomes effective on May 15. He is currently serving as the inaugural chief diversity officer and inclusive executive at Western Carolina University, a role he has held since 2016.
SUNY Chancellor John King, Jr. recommended the appointment, which the SUNY board announced March 21.
Nazario-Colón is the first permanent CDO since the death of Teresa Miller, SUNY said. Valerie Dent, SUNY’s deputy COO, is currently serving as interim chief diversity officer.
“Dr. Ricardo Nazario-Colón is an exceptionally talented individual who will fill this important role as we strive toward our goal of inclusivity. With Ricardo’s assistance, we will ensure that justice and equity run through all decisions we make at SUNY,” King said in a news release. “I would also like to thank Deputy COO Valerie Dent for furthering SUNY’s commitment to be a more equitable institution throughout her time as interim CDO.”
About Nazario-Colón
Nazario-Colón was born in the South Bronx and raised in the highlands of Puerto Rico. He is an administrator with more than 30 years of experience in various industries, including higher education, business, U.S. military, and state government.
He is a published poet with numerous publications in journals and anthologies and has authored two poetic books, “Of Jíbaros and Hillbillies” and “The Recital.”
Nazario-Colón’s research interests are Black culture centers, multiracial identity experience, and student leadership development. His doctoral research focused on African-American faculty and staff retention.
He is a former U.S. Marine, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., a graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School, former Division 1 cross country athlete, and a co-founder of the “Affrilachian Poets.”
“What drew me to the position was the opportunity to join Chancellor King’s team to ensure SUNY is the best system of public higher education, by eliminating existing barriers to college and support students’ progress toward their degree,” Nazario-Colón said in the SUNY release. “My thanks to Chairman Tisch, the SUNY Board of Trustees, and Chancellor King for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to the work ahead of us.”