WINONA, Minn. – A second round of interviews has been completed for a new Winona State University diversity officer to bridge cultural gaps on campus. The fjrst round failed to find someone with the “right technical and soft skills” to improve Winona State’s rating for diversity, said Denise McDowell, vice president for student life. She rates the campus at 3 or 4 and wants it to ’”level up.” The new candidates:
> Mohamed Ahmed. Currently head of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Alliant International University in San Diego, California. He holds a doctorate in higher-ed leadership. An arlier degree is in international security and conflict resolution
> Amanda Peterson. Currently chief of staff, diversity and human services at Launch Ministry in Chaska, Minnesota. She holds degrees in Biblical theology, health psychology, and counseling.
> Pos Lis Vwj. Currently interim associate vice chancellor for equity in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. He has a doctorate in sociology.
The position has been vacant since August when Jonathan Locust left in a career move to Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Said McDowell about the vacancy: “If Dr. Locust left us at a Level 4 or, these finalists were thought to be able to take us to 7, 8 or 9.”