Aswad Allen is the new director of the CU-Boulder College of Business's Diversity and Minority Programs, business Dean Steven Manaster announced.
"We created this position because diversity is a top priority of our school," Manaster said. "Aswad's experience will help advance the college's goals of implementing a broader scope of initiatives. He brings a comprehensive background of leading diversity programs and will help us move this priority to the next level."
As diversity director, Allen will report to the dean and will develop and implement programs for the recruitment and retention of underrepresented and first-generation students. The position will direct the administrative management of diversity programs, program development in recruitment and retention, public relations and marketing, budget oversight and fund-raising.
Allen, a 1988 CU alumnus, spearheaded diversity programs at other universities. He was director of African-American Student Services at the University of New Mexico, where he developed curriculum and special programs to assist underrepresented populations. He also was director of the Inter-Cultural Center at Sonoma State University and assistant director of Black Student Services at Colorado State University.
Allen earned his master's degree in education administration from CSU, specializing in student affairs in higher education. His appointment began June 1.