Doug Thompson, PhD, has been named the inaugural Vice President for Equity and Inclusion at Gustavus Adolphus College, President Rebecca M. Bergman announced today.
In the newly created role on the President’s Cabinet, Thompson will lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice strategy and alignment across the College, chair the President’s Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and manage a team of professional staff charged with building a welcoming and supportive campus for all Gustavus students, faculty, and staff.
“Dr. Thompson has significant experience in a variety of higher education settings that will inform his holistic work advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Gustavus,” Bergman said. “I am excited to welcome Doug to the Gustavus community and look forward to his thoughtful and capable leadership in this vital position.”
Since 2017, Thompson has served as the Associate Dean of Students at the University of St. Thomas’s Dougherty Family College, a two-year program that focuses on preparing first-generation and Pell Grant-eligible students to navigate and overcome barriers on their path to a bachelor’s degree. Previously, he served as the Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion at the University of West Florida and provided academic advising and student support services at Cardinal Stritch University. Thompson grew up in New Orleans and holds degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University, Seton Hall University, and Cardinal Stritch University, where he earned a doctorate in leadership for the advancement of learning and service.
“I am excited about joining the Gustavus community,” Thompson said. “What was evident during my interview process is that this community is highly engaged and collaborative. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to build trust and advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
In addition to his overall work shaping, implementing, and expanding the Gustavus diversity, equity, and inclusion ecosystem, Thompson will focus on growing the College’s reach and impact, and building and strengthening local, regional, and national partnerships.
“The creation of this new senior leadership position illustrates our community’s deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts on our campus and beyond,” Bergman said. “Dr. Thompson will be a collaborative, inclusive leader for the entire Gustavus community as our students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to build a culture of equity, work for racial justice, and act on the great challenges of our time.”