Kendra Jason joins ODI as executive fellow for strategic initiatives
UNC Charlotte’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion announces the appointment of Kendra Jason, Ph.D., as executive fellow for strategic initiatives.
An associate professor of sociology in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Jason has over 15 years experience in social inequality, work and organizations. She holds faculty affiliate roles in the Departments of Sociology and Organizational Science, Africana Studies, Gerontology and Public Health Sciences.
“We are elated that Kendra is joining our team,” said Brandon L. Wolfe, chief diversity officer. “Her skills in strategic planning, integration and consensus building — as well as her ability to work across diverse populations — are second to none. I look forward to working together toward accomplishing the University’s goals.”
Prior to this appointment, Jason served as the inaugural race and social justice advocate for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Her research explores organizational behavior and management; Black women academics; teaching about racism; and diversity, equity and inclusion in the university. Much of her work has been published in refereed journals, technical reports, book chapters and teaching outlets. She has been featured at the National Academy of Sciences and in media outlets such as Forbes.com.
“At UNC Charlotte, inclusive excellence contributes significantly to institutional excellence,” Jason said. “I look forward to guiding UNC Charlotte’s faculty and staff members in transforming their diversity, equity and inclusion values into everyday practice.”
Jason’s educational background includes a master’s degree in sociology and a doctorate from North Carolina State University. She also completed the North Carolina State University Equal Opportunity Institute certificate program and is a recent graduate of the BRIDGES progressional development program for women in higher education.
About the Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at UNC Charlotte was created in fall 2020 by Chancellor Gaber as a culmination of the collective and ongoing efforts of engaged members of our campus community advocating for diversity and inclusion leadership, institutional surveys and self-studies among campus stakeholders to identify needs and a continued multiyear university-wide effort to address diversity, equity and inclusion at UNC Charlotte. Since ODI’s inception, we have worked to guide our campus toward inclusive excellence by developing and supporting programs and initiatives that enhance capability, build community and leverage diversity and inclusion to guide innovation in education, training, research, practice and service to help everyone thrive in their academic and professional careers.