July 22, 2020
La Roche University Appoints Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer
PITTSBURGH, July 22, 2020 – La Roche University recently announced the appointment of Sarah White, a resident of Ross Township, as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, a new central administrative position.
Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche, said, “The time is now for the La Roche community as a whole to broaden its communal understanding of diversity, and to commit more fully to creating and sustaining an inclusive and supportive environment for each and every member. These efforts require strong leadership if they are to succeed.”
As Chief Diversity Officer, Ms. White will sit on the President’s Executive Council. She will be responsible for overseeing the development of a strategic diversity and inclusion plan for the University; for working with various University constituencies to ensure plans address areas of education, training, advocacy and policy; and for continuing to interact with and support students, particularly students of color. The Chief Diversity Officer also will chair the La Roche Inclusion Council.
“It is an honor and a privilege to step into this new role at such a pivotal time at La Roche and in our greater world,” Ms. White said. “I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty, staff and senior leadership to develop innovative strategies and initiatives for diversity, inclusion and equity, and foster a campus community that is welcoming and inclusive of all of our members.”
Ms. White joined the La Roche community as coordinator of accessibility services in July 2014. Outside of work she serves as a member of the Ross Elementary PTO’s Playground Committee. She also is an active member of Community of Reconciliation Church, where she assists with leading children’s worship and serves as vice chair of the church council.
“I have great confidence in Sarah’s ability to lead us at this critical time in La Roche’s history, and at a time—in higher education and in our nation—when we are called on to have difficult, and at times uncomfortable, conversations about race relations, and to confront racism in individuals and in our institutions,” President Introcaso said.
Ms. White earned a Master of Arts in educational leadership in postsecondary education, with a specialization in student affairs, from San Diego State University. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, she also holds a Bachelor of Science in social work.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts university in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers 66 undergraduate programs of study, six master’s degrees and one doctoral degree, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,400 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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