Patrick Sims has been chosen as the new vice provost and chief diversity officer of UW-Madison Wednesday, after holding the interim position since 2013, according to a university release.
Sims ran against two other candidates, William Lewis and Ron Quincy, who were screened by a 15-member committee composed of faculty, staff and students. The committee then recommended the three candidates to UW-Madison Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf for approval.
"Patrick has demonstrated outstanding leadership in a critical role and we're pleased that he will continue to do so," Mangelsdorf said in the release. "As we look to the next five years, our commitment to inclusivity in all areas of campus life is an important component of the university's Strategic Framework.”
Throughout April, the three candidates held public forums for the UW-Madison community to share their ideas and goals for the position, in addition to small meetings targeted at getting students' input on the topic of diversity.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to lead these efforts, and for the privilege of being able to continue the work that we have begun," Sims said in the release. "I look forward to continuing to build new relationships throughout the campus community, as well as strengthening the connections we've already made."
Sims’ roles will include pursuing the initiatives of the Diversity Framework and reporting to Mangelsdorf and Chancellor Rebecca Blank about recommendations for diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
