Affirmative Action Director Heads to Western Washington

Assistant Executive Vice President for Affirmative Action and Diversity Sue Guenter-Schlesinger announced she will be leaving Utah State University to take a position as executive director for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.

 

“It was not an easy decision,” Guenter-Schlesinger said. “These last 14 years at Utah State have been extremely rewarding. Western Washington provides a new, exciting professional opportunity for me now.”

 

At Utah State, Guenter-Schlesinger initiated the President’s Diversity Forums in the early 1990s, and each year manages the Diversity Awards. She also developed a handbook that highlights diversity initiatives across the campus.

 

“The handbook helps the campus community feel ownership and pride in the many programs, classes and initiatives they have developed,” Guenter-Schlesinger said.

 

“Most importantly, it sends the message that equal opportunity is not just an office down the hall,” Guenter-Schlesinger said. “Equal opportunity and valuing diversity should be ingrained in the fabric of the university, in our courses, programs and dialogue.  It should just be a normal function of what we do on campus.”

 

Guenter-Schlesinger expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with so many accomplished faculty, staff and students. She especially appreciates her staff in the Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Office.