President David A. Heath has named Dr. Guiherme Albieri, SUNY Optometry’s vice president for student affairs to serve as the College’s chief diversity officer. The appointment, recently approved by SUNY provost, Dr. Alex Cartwright, is part of a university-wide initiative increasing the system’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Last fall, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a new diversity, equality and inclusion policy for SUNY that aims to make the University the most inclusive higher education system in the nation. The establishment of a Chief Diversity Officer on each SUNY campus represents one of the first steps in achieving that goal.
“Both SUNY system and SUNY Optometry are committed to being leaders on the issue of diversity and inclusion,” President Heath said. “I’m pleased that Dr. Albieri is stepping into this important new role for the College.”
“I am honored to be named chief diversity officer,” Dr. Albieri said. “Diversity and inclusion are essential ingredients to the success of any institution and we must constantly strive to attract, recruit, and retain a diverse student body and workforce. We must also strive to create an environment that values differences and in which members of our community can realize their full potential.” Dr. Albieri’s initial responsibility will be to lead and instutional committee in the development of an inclusion and diversity plan due in November. Dr. Albieri added: “I look forward to getting to work quickly and developing a comprehensive plan to increase diversity and inclusion at the College. I applaud SUNY system’s vision to make diversity and inclusion a central part of its strategic focus.”