Becky Petitt Named UC San Diego’s Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Petitt brings a proven record of success in diversity work across the university community

Becky Petitt as Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (VC-EDI)

Following a comprehensive nationwide search, the University of California, San Diego announces the appointment of Becky Petitt as Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (VC-EDI), effective March 23, 2015. She will serve as the lead senior executive responsible for providing a holistic and integrated vision on all major equity, diversity and inclusion efforts. Petitt brings to UC San Diego 24 years of progressive leadership experience in diversity work across the university community, most recently at Texas A&M University as Associate Vice President for Diversity.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Becky Petitt as UC San Diego’s next Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “She has a strong record of achievement as a visionary leader, guiding campus constituents in a collaborative and cohesive effort to achieve a climate of equity, diversity and inclusion. We look forward to her leadership in our initiatives to ensure that UC San Diego is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive campus community.”

As VC-EDI, Petitt will report to UC San Diego’s Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, with an indirect reporting relationship to the Chancellor. She will be a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, and help lead the institution effectively in productive collaborative partnerships throughout the campus and with external constituents to catalyze change in this area. Additionally, she will oversee the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion which is charged to partner with all campus units to address diversity across all areas of UC San Diego’s mission including outreach, recruitment, retention and climate.

“Inclusion doesn’t happen spontaneously when an environment becomes more diverse,” said Petitt, a recognized national speaker on issues of diversity and inclusion. “We have to be intentional in creating a welcoming environment in which all students, faculty and staff can thrive and reach their full potential.”

At Texas A&M University, Petitt currently serves as Associate Vice President for Diversity, Chief of Staff to the Office of the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity. An adjunct faculty member, she has taught courses focused on educational administration, social justice and organizational development. This unique combination of disciplinary knowledge informs her excellent command of issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, in higher education. A native of Texas, she received a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston State University and both a master’s and doctorate in education from Texas A&M University.

“Dr. Petitt’s breadth of experience and scholarship related to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion make her exceptionally well qualified to serve as UC San Diego’s next VC-EDI,” said Suresh Subramani, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “I look forward to her partnership as we work to catalyze change in these areas that impact all aspects of our university’s mission.”

Petitt added, “I am humbled by my selection and look forward to reaching out and working collaboratively with the leadership and talented faculty, staff and students to continue to deliver on UC San Diego’s promise and potential for greater diversity and inclusion. Our work is long-term, complex and requires the enthusiastic collaboration and support of all of us to realize our shared goals.”