Interim Chancellor of Minnesota State Dr. Devinder Malhotra announced that Clyde Pickett will be joining Minnesota State as Chief Diversity Officer.

Pickett has a bachelor’s in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky, a master’s in adult and higher education leadership from Morehead State University, and a doctorate in language, literacy and culture from the University of Pittsburg. He also has seven years of experience as the director of multicultural diversity at Ohio Northern University.

Currently, Pickett serves as a special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion at Community College of Allegheny County. Pickett will start his new position as chief diversity officer for Minnesota State in October.

  The role of chief diversity officer is to create a welcoming and supportive campus and increase the diversity of students, faculty and staff. The chief diversity officer is also responsible for fostering partnerships with diverse communities. Working alongside student and academic affairs, the chief diversity officer works to increase the success of at-risk and under-represented students.

Chief diversity officer is a cabinet level position and reports directly to the chancellor. This office also works closely with the board of trustees.

As Chief Diversity Officer, Pickett will be working on advancing Minnesota State’s agenda of deepening relationships with Minnesota’s Native American nations and communities of color as well as ensuring healthy atmospheres on campuses across the state.