President Scott L. Scarborough, Ph.D., today announced that the Reverend Dr. Carl P. Wallace, a distinguished pastor and community leader with deep experience in diversity matters, has been appointed interim Chief Diversity Officer for the University, pending Board of Trustees approval. A national search is being conducted for someone to permanently fill the position recently held by Lee Gill, J.D., who has assumed the position of chief diversity officer for Clemson University.
“The University is very grateful to Dr. Wallace for being willing to take on this important responsibility,” said President Scarborough. “I’ve gotten to know him during the past two years, and I know he will continue the progress that has been made in this crucial aspect of our university.”
Dr. Wallace said, “I know of the significant commitment that President Scarborough and the Board of Trustees have to infuse diversity in all aspects of academic life and elevate it as a strategic priority. I am honored to have been asked to assist the University in this time of transition and I look forward to getting started.” His appointment is effective May 2, 2016.
He will be assisted in his role by a small task force of University faculty, staff and students with special expertise in diversity-related issues. The membership of the task force has not been finalized. Dr. Wallace and the task force will oversee the University’s diversity, inclusion and equity functions until a new Chief Diversity Officer is hired, which is anticipated prior to the start of the fall 2016 semester.
Distinguished career
Dr. Wallace earned a Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University. He currently is a consultant with the International Institute of Akron, promoting public awareness of the value of ethnic diversity and the encouragement of international communication. From 2008 to 2015, Dr. Wallace was senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Akron, creating and maintaining numerous service programs under the banner of “At the Heart of the Community with the Community at its Heart.” Prior to that appointment, he was executive associate minister for special projects of Justice and Witness Ministries within the United Church of Christ (2003–2008) and pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Cleveland (1998–2003).
Dr. Wallace also served as Executive Officer of Equal Opportunity Affairs for Cleveland Public Schools from 1985 to 1998, pastor of Union Congregational Church in Painesville, Ohio (1988–1993), special projects coordinator for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections (1980–1985) and co-chair of Cleveland District Youth Ministry for the United Methodist Church Cleveland District Office (1979–1980).
Media contact: Dan Minnich, 330-972-6476 or dminnich@uakron.edu