Mary Grace A. Almandrez, currently an adjunct professor at Menlo College and founder of multicultural institutions at three private liberal arts institutions, has been named director of the Third World Center and assistant dean of the college. She succeeds Karen McLaurin-Chesson. Rev. William Mathis, associate Protestant University chaplain, has served as TWC interim director for the last year. In her dual roles, Almandrez will be responsible for providing leadership for the Third World Center and its programs and will play an active role in advancing University diversity-related goals and priorities. She will work closely with students, faculty, alumni, and colleagues to create and implement programs and initiatives that facilitate the creation of a campus environment that supports the success of and builds a sense of community among students of color. Uniquely positioned as serving both on the executive leadership group of the Division of Campus Life and as a dean in the College, her work will create opportunities for students to connect their curricular and co-curricular scholarship, embrace diversity, and be empowered as leaders and agents of change in an increasingly interconnected world in support of Brown’s mission, the Plan for Academic Enrichment, the Diversity Action Plan, and the Principles of Liberal Learning at Brown. An experienced instructor, trainer, and facilitator, Almandrez brings a record of innovation to her new position, including establishing the Esther Madriz Diversity Scholars at the University of San Francisco, a living-learning community focused on the exploration of social justice in the context of transborder experiences. She also developed a diversity strategic plan and coordinated a campus climate assessment at Notre Dame de Namur University and established a minority alumni organization during her time at McDaniel College. Almandrez earned her Ed.D. in organization and leadership from the University of San Francisco, her M.S. in human resources development from McDaniel College, and a B.A. in sociology from the University of San Diego.

Read more