Interim diversity leadership

José-Luis Riera, the University of Delaware's Vice President for Student Life, has been named by President Dennis Assanis to serve as the University's interim chief diversity officer, effective immediately.

In this role, Riera will work closely with the President in coordinating, integrating and communicating strategic priorities on diversity and belonging based on Forward and Forever, the University's strategic plan, building upon work accomplished in recent years. Riera will convene and work with students, faculty and staff to develop metrics for tracking advancement of diversity and belonging across student enrollment, faculty and staff employment, and University-wide investment and philanthropy to support initiatives. In addition, he will spearhead the development of a strategic survey plan of populations, including timeline, frequency, and creation of survey instruments and involvement of key stakeholders.

"José is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcome at UD, and his leadership skills and experience in this area position him well to serve in this important role," Assanis said. "We know that diversity - of identities, perspectives, beliefs and backgrounds - makes the University of Delaware a stronger, more vibrant and more impactful community. Our work in this critical area will continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the University today and into the future."

Assanis said Riera will continue his leadership of the Division of Student Life while serving in this interim role and will continue reporting to the President in both capacities.

"I am grateful for this new opportunity from President Assanis to continue building UD's culture of diversity and belonging, which is a mission that means so much to me," Riera said. "I am looking forward to working with the many committed advocates for diversity throughout the University and beyond."

Riera joined the UD community in 2010. Since then, he has served in a variety of senior leadership positions within the Division of Student Life. Most recently, in 2018, he joined Assanis's cabinet as Vice President for Student Life and oversees 13 administrative units, including Student Diversity and Inclusion and Disability Support Services, as well as the Center for Black Culture.

Diversity, equity and inclusion advocacy and antiracism initiatives have been vital components of Riera's leadership portfolio, which includes prior and continued collaboration with multiple constituencies including faculty, staff, students and alumni. He has both academic training and published scholarship in areas related to issues of social justice, belonging and identity development.

Riera has worked on several committees to develop diversity action plans aimed at improving recruitment and retention of minority students, and the campus climate and culture at UD. In 2020, Riera convened the University's Advancing Racial Equity & Inclusion (AREI) Committee as a component of the University's strategic plan. AREI's work sought to develop and execute action items to best support and serve students, and equip and support staff and faculty, in centering the University's work around meaningful progress and change. He served as a tri-chair on a working group that developed recommendations supporting the development of the University's Center for Intercultural Engagement, which opened in 2023.

Riera earned a bachelor's degree in music and biology from Muhlenberg College, a master of science degree in student affairs from Colorado State University and his doctorate in college student personnel administration from the University of Maryland.

Assanis said Riera will serve in this interim position while the University continues to refine the administrative structures and leadership assessment needed to advance its diversity and belonging goals.