Pi–ero appointed to workforce diversity position

Luis A. Piñero has been named assistant vice chancellor for workforce equity and diversity, campus officials announced today, Feb. 10.

Piñero will also serve as director of the university’s Equity and Diversity Resource Center. He was serving as interim assistant vice chancellor/director of the EDRC prior to his appointment.

“Luis’ experience working on equity and diversity issues at UW–Madison for nearly 20 years clearly positioned him as the best choice for this important campus administrative post,” says Melany S. Newby, vice chancellor for legal and executive affairs.

“We are most glad that Luis has decided to accept this position as the university moves forward in its effort strengthen its commitment to diversity,” adds Provost John Wiley.

Piñero joined the EDRC in 1982, when it was known as the Office of Affirmative Action and Compliance. He was appointed associate director in 1991 and previously served as interim EDRC director from May 1994 to August 1995. Piñero holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree from UW–Madison.

The assistant vice chancellor for workforce equity and diversity serves as a campuswide strategic planner and consultant on equity and diversity; oversees the Equity and Diversity Resource Center; and collaborates with academic leaders, employing units and governance bodies to coordinate campus compliance with affirmative action/equal employment opportunity regulations.

The position reports to Newby and Wiley. The opening was created when Greg Vincent accepted a position last year as vice provost for campus diversity at Louisiana State University.

“I am delighted to accept this campuswide leadership position,” Piñero says. “My work experience, participation on committees and task forces, and relationships with individuals, academic leaders, and employing units will enable me to collaborate with all members of our community to attain critical strategic priorities.”

Wiley and Newby selected Piñero from a pool of three finalists that included Andrea L. Turner, executive director for the University of Minnesota Board of Regents; and Vicki C. Washington, director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs and assistant to the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Extension.