Cindy Long Porter, Ed.D, to lead Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
On March 21, Manhattanville College announced the creation of a distinct Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Division to be led by Cindy Porter, Ed.D., as Vice President. The new division and Dr. Porter’s role is a testament to the college’s commitment to its ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on its campus.
The division will include all of Title IX, Center for Inclusion as well some oversight of the Sister Mary T. Clark Center for Religion and Social Justice and employee recruitment efforts. In addition, this division will have responsibility to work with the grants office to secure significant grant funding as we seek to serve all our populations in one inclusive community.
In her work as Chief Diversity Officer at Manhattanville, Porter has played a crucial role in the development of a comprehensive Roadmap toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which lays out a strategic plan for the college’s DEI initiatives and advances the college’s efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all students, faculty, and staff. The document is reviewed and updated annually around five ongoing priorities: addressing the composition of the community, closing equity gaps, enhancing the cultural competence of the community through education and resources, creating a sense of belonging, and enhancing collaboration and communication.
In her new role as Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Community Building, Porter will continue to lead the Presidential Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which meets to discuss and solve issues related to DEI, as well as developing and implementing initiatives and programs that promote a more inclusive campus community. She will also work closely with college leadership and stakeholders to ensure that DEI remain a central focus of Manhattanville’s strategic planning and decision-making.
“I am honored to take on this new role and am excited to continue working with the Manhattanville community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Dr. Porter. “We have made great progress over the past few years, but there is still much work to be done. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that Manhattanville remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
Louise Feroe, Ph.D, Interim President of Manhattanville College, praised Dr. Porter’s work and expressed her enthusiasm for her promotion. “The goal with this move is to make Manhattanville’s efforts to build an inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff part of the organizational structure of the college with the leadership of a Vice President who will bring the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to all facets of what we do,” said Feroe. “Cindy has been a valuable member of our community, and I am delighted that she will be taking on this new role. Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and I am confident that she will make an even more significant impact in her new position.”
