UNC Chief Diversity Officer Selected for National Leadership Development Program
March 26, 2021
Tobias Guzmán, Ed.D., chief diversity officer and associate vice president of Student Affairs at UNC, is part of the new class of 32 exemplary, senior-level higher education professionals who will participate in the 2021 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI), a premier leadership development program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
MLI is a year-long program that provides individuals who are traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of postsecondary education with the opportunity to develop their skills through theoretical and hands-on training in areas such as media relations, advancement and fundraising, executive contract negotiation and financial management. Participants are also provided coaching and mentoring from past and present presidents and chancellors on topics related to leadership and professional development.
Initially established to ensure diversity in higher education leadership, MLI’s leadership program dovetails with Guzmán’s own work at UNC in helping to prioritize and foster a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment across the institution. He was nominated for the program by UNC President Andy Feinstein.
“Dr. Guzmán is passionate about and demonstrates his extensive knowledge and interest in understanding the changing higher education landscape,” Feinstein said. “He frequently finds opportunities for us to create more just and equitable practices and structures to serve our mission and our institution, our students and employees, are all better off because of his positive influence and the dedication given to his work.”
Guzmán has served UNC for more than 20 years and is an alumnus of the university where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 1994. He went on to receive his Master of Education in Higher Education/Higher Education Administration at Plymouth State University in 1998 and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Northeastern University in 2015. In addition to his current role, he has also served as the assistant vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Access.
“I am very thankful for this opportunity,” Guzmán said. “My leadership ability will be tested, and my understanding of higher education will be deepened. Learning from my fellow MLI cohort and presidents from across the United States will be enlightening and instructive. I am grateful to President Feinstein for his urging of me and subsequent nomination to the AASCU organization. I appreciate the students, faculty and staff who have supported me in my work, and I am committed to giving back to UNC and the community the numerous lessons I will gain from this experience.”
For more details about MLI, read the AASCU’s press release.
—Written by Deanna Herbert
