Promotions, Appointments in Diversity and Strategic Partnerships

The following promotions and appointments have been made to the Office of Diversity and Strategic Partnerships in July.

Trisha Gordon has been promoted to the position of affirmative action specialist/administrative manager. She will oversee the Office of Affirmative Action and specifically work with Human Resources on staff issues, diversity and sexual harassment prevention trainings, and work with me to develop a campus-wide affirmative action plan. She will oversee the Office of Diversity and Strategic Partnerships and manage all strategic initiatives. She will also continue to assist me in day-to-day operations, meetings, and special project. Gordon has been with Wesleyan since 2001 and has worked in the Office of the Vice President/Secretary of the University. Trisha earned her B.A. in history from Central Connecticut State University, a M.S. in business management from Saint Joseph College, and is a certified middle school teacher and affirmative action professional.

Frank Kuan has been promoted to executive director of the Center for Community Partnerships and will manage the Green Street Art Center and the Office of Community Service and Volunteerism. He will continue to represent Wesleyan in the community, on committees, and at special events, and continue to work closely with the Office of Service Learning. Kuan has been with Wesleyan since 1998 and has worked in various capacities throughout Wesleyan including director of community service, interim director of the Green Street Arts Center and director of community relations. Kuan earned a B.A. in biology, chemistry and Asian American Studies, and a M.S. in counseling from California State University, Fresno. He also serves on many board, commissions and committees in Middlesex County and in Middletown including Middletown Youth Services Bureau, Commission on the Arts, Middlesex United Way and the North End Action Team.

Renee Johnson-Thornton has been appointed to the position of dean of diversity and student engagement. She will focus on student issues campus-wide, manage the Dwight Green Interns, WesDEF and other student lead initiatives. She will continue in her role as associate coordinator for Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. Johnson-Thornton has been with Wesleyan since 1998 and has served as associate director of the McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, assistant to the dean of the college, assistant dean of the Student Academic Resource Network (SARN), and associate coordinator of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. She earned her B.A. in English and African American Studies from Binghamton University, SUNY, M.A in liberal studies from Wesleyan University, and Ph.D (ABD) in education from the University of Rhode Island. Johnson-Thornton also is a board member of the Middletown School Board of Education.