Missouri State selects interim chief diversity officer to succeed retiring Wes Pratt

Algerian Hart was selected this week by Missouri State to serve as the interim diversity officer and assistant to the president, Clif Smart.

Hart, who has worked for the university since 2019, will replace Wes Pratt, who retired Aug. 1.

Hart was one of four finalists for the job interviewed Monday. The others were Kelly Cabrera Hayes, Juan Meraz, and Nicole West.

In a news release Wednesday announcing the decision, the university said Hart has a robust academic record related to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts including dozens of publications and presidents in the U.S. and abroad.

“Algerian has focused much of his academic research and involvement on improving academic success of diverse students,” Smart said in the release. “I’m confident he’ll take that knowledge and expertise to help us be a more inclusive campus.”

Hart previously served as a professor and associate dean of the MSU graduate college.

Before moving to Springfield, Hart worked at Western Illinois University, University of Nevada – Las Vegas; Seattle Pacific University and the Game Time Foundation in Seattle.

He is a faculty evaluator for the American Council on Education and a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission.

“I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to step into this role and continue the great work that’s already been established by Wes,” Hart said, in the release. “And I’m very much looking forward to working with current and new administrators on our DEI efforts in continuing to cultivate opportunity and access here at MSU.”

Hart has a doctorate in educational administration and leadership and a master’s in recreation administration and leisure studies from Washington State University. He has a bachelor’s in sociology from California State University Long Beach.

More: Future of the Ozarks: At Central High, Ahmias Hart leads quietly, by example

He is married to Michelle Hart, is a talent recruiter for the Ross Dress for Less company. The couple have two sons. Rowen attends Central High School and Ahmias, a graduate of Central, who will attend MSU this fall.

Claudette Riley is the education reporter for the News-Leader. Email news tips to criley@news-leader.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MSU selects interim chief diversity officer to succeed Wes Pratt