By James Irwin
Terri Harris Reed, who has served as the George Washington University’s first vice provost for diversity and inclusion, is leaving GW, the university announced Wednesday.
Dr. Reed, who has been at the university since 2011, accepted an offer to serve as secretary of Spelman College. Her last day at GW is Friday. The vice provost for diversity and inclusion position was created by George Washington President Steven Knapp.
“Terri has made tremendous contributions to the university,” said Provost Steven Lerman. “As GW’s first vice provost for diversity and inclusion, she has worked tirelessly to enhance the diversity of our student body, faculty and staff. She not only proved to be a collaborative leader, but also a partner and friend who has truly laid the foundation for GW’s diversity efforts that will benefit generations of faculty and students.”
Vanessa Perry has been named Dr. Reed’s interim successor. Dr. Perry, an associate professor of marketing, strategic management and public policy, currently serves as interim associate dean of graduate programs for the GW School of Business.
“Dr. Perry has a deep knowledge of the university and administrative experience through her leadership at the School of Business,” Dr. Lerman said. “I look forward to working with her to strengthen our efforts in diversity and inclusion.”
Vanessa Perry, an associate professor of marketing, strategic management and public policy who currently serves as interim associate dean of graduate programs for the GW School of Business, has been named Dr. Reed's interim successor. (File photo)
In four-and-a-half years at GW, Dr. Reed played a significant role in the university’s commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive community.
GW updated its Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy and Procedures in 2014. Dr. Reed served as the university’s Title IX coordinator prior to the hiring of Rory Muhammad. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion launched Haven, a hub for resources aimed at heightening awareness and aiding victims of abuse and harassment, in 2013.
Dr. Reed also chaired the university-wide Task Force on Access and Success—also created by Dr. Knapp—that has worked to encourage college attendance and ensure that the university does everything possible to guarantee the academic success of lower-income GW students. The university’s July decision to no longer require most undergraduate applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores was a recommendation of that task force.
“It has been my privilege to lead GW's charge to elevate issues of diversity and inclusion as essential elements in the pursuit of institutional excellence,” Dr. Reed said. “I will miss the many colleagues and collaborators who made my experiences during the past four-plus years enjoyable, and I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together. Dr. Perry and the permanent successor will find a committed leadership—president, provost and Board of Trustees—and dedicated staff to support them as they work to advance this important agenda.”
