Mount Union hires alumnus as diversity chief
ALLIANCE – University of Mount Union has hired its first full-time chief diversity officer, who also will manage the school's Title IX program.
Mark Black, a 1998 Mount Union graduate, has been hired to "provide leadership to create and maintain a campus environment that reflects (Mount Union's) mission and values as a fully inclusive institution," according to a statement from the school.
More: Alliance graduates start scholarship to honor late classmates
Black most recently served as executive director of secondary schools for Akron Public Schools. He will begin his new position July 1.
The release says Black will work closely with the President’s Council and other senior leaders "to catalyze institutional change, particularly among students, faculty and staff, to ensure that the University is creating inclusion and belonging for every member of the campus community," the statement reads.
“In 1846, Orville Nelson Hartshorn founded Mount Union as an institution ‘where there would be no distinction due to race, color, sex or position,’” said Dr. Robert Gervasi, incoming interim president. “The addition of this role to the senior leadership team reflects the University’s continued commitment to Hartshorn’s vision and to attracting, welcoming and supporting diverse communities and identities.”
Black said he's honored to return to work in his hometown.
“Aristotle said, ‘Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work,’” Black said. “I feel intense pleasure with this new opportunity as chief diversity officer and senior Title IX administrator at the University of Mount Union. I feel as if I have come full circle back to Mount, my alma mater, and Alliance, my hometown.”
Black resume also includes stints as principal of GlenOak High School and in the Canton City School District. He also served as a teacher in Akron and in Massillon City School District. He also worked as director of Ohio’s high school projects at Battelle for Kids in Columbus.
Black also has worked as an adjunct faculty member in Mount Union’s School of Education.
Black graduated with a bachelor's in elementary education from Mount Union, a master of education from University of Akron, and has an administrative licensure from Ashland University. He also has completed post-graduate work through the School and Leadership Turnaround Institute of the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Black is active in education boards, such as Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators, National Superintendents Academy, Intercultural Development Inventory LLC, National Federation of State High Schools, the College Board and Jobs for Ohio Graduates.
Black is a former recipient of the Pathfinder Education Award from Alliance High School and the Urban Icon Award from Alliance Community Pastors.
Black said he looks forward to getting to work in Alliance.
“I am aware of the challenges that will come with the job, but I am hopeful that, together, we will overcome barriers and create a smooth path to the road of inclusivity and belonging," Black said. "I am ready for this challenge and look forward to the collaboration that will forge success for all constituents.”
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Mount Union hires alumnus Mark Black as diversity chief
