Associate chief diversity officer named

Norm J. Jones, who has had a long and distinguished career in academic diversity, compliance, and inclusion, has been appointed the associate chief diversity officer and deputy director in the Office of the Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity and Equity. Jones will begin his appointment on Tuesday.

In this newly created position at Harvard, Jones will work closely with human resources and diversity officers across the Schools to administer and foster diversity and inclusion, equal opportunity, and access programs, as well as training and workshops across the University. He will also deliver presentations and workshops, and partner with other colleagues and community members.

Jones has been involved in nearly every aspect of diversity, affirmative action, inclusion, and compliance.  In his current role as associate vice president of student development and dean of institutional diversity at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, in addition to serving as the college’s chief diversity officer, he supervises the Women’s Center, offices of LGBTQ Services, Jewish Life, Community Services, and Student Conduct.  He has also designed and implemented Title IX compliance training and education programs.

“I am delighted that Norm will join our diversity and equity team,” said Lisa Coleman, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president.  “His expertise on all areas pertinent to diversity and inclusion, as well as his skills in leadership development, strategic planning, program management, and community outreach will enable him to partner and collaborate with colleagues from across the university. At Dickinson, he has provided strong strategic leadership and direction in advancing the college’s diversity and inclusion efforts. He will be a valuable asset to the entire Harvard community,” she concluded.

Jones, who joined Dickinson College in 2001, has also served as assistant to the president and as associate dean of students.  In these positions, he implemented a variety of student, faculty, and staff initiatives, including responsibility for the on-campus dimension of the college’s community college partnership program. He also founded an academic enrichment/leadership development program for men of color on Dickinson’s campus.

Jones has served on several boards and community organizations including the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation, the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County, the Holistic Hands Community Development Corp., the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and the Art Association of Harrisburg.  He currently serves on the board of trustees of the Organization Development Network and co-chairs its Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee.

Jones holds a Ph.D. in workforce education and development, a master’s of public administration from Pennsylvania State University, and a B.A. degree in English and linguistics from Morehouse College in Atlanta. His hobbies include running, swimming, reading African-American autobiographies, and woodwork.