Gwenne Berry named assistant to the president and chief diversity officer

Dear UNI Family,

I am pleased to announce that Gwenne Berry has been named assistant to the president and chief diversity officer at the University of Northern Iowa. Gwenne is currently the associate director of compliance and equity management at UNI. She will assume her new duties as CDO on July 1.

We are excited for the expertise and passion that Gwenne will bring to this position. She is someone that will take the challenges UNI has faced, and continue to face, and turn them into opportunities and possibilities.

"The University of Northern Iowa could -- and should -- be a leader when it comes to diversity and inclusion," said Gwenne. "We have allies on our campus, in our community and among our alums. I'm excited about engaging all of those constituents in making sure the university gets it right."

Gwenne received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Iowa State University and a master's degree in communication studies from UNI. Before her current position as associate director of compliance and equity management, she held positions in what was then known as the Office of University Marketing and Public Relations at UNI.

I want to thank the CDO search committee for their commitment and hard work throughout this process. I also want to thank community members for attending the community open forums and providing feedback on each candidate. Your interest and discussions were greatly appreciated.

Please join me in congratulating Gwenne on her new position!

Bill Ruud        
President