Dr. Russell Morrow named interim vice president for diversity and inclusion

President Lori Stewart Gonzalez has named Dr. Russell Morrow the interim vice president for diversity and inclusion effective Monday, July 31.

Morrow replaces Dr. Salome Nnoromele, who has made the decision to return to a faculty role on Ohio University’s Southern Campus after leading OHIO’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts for more than a year.

Under Nnoromele’s interim leadership since April 2022, the University furthered its commitments to celebrating diversity through the expansion of the VISIBLE initiative and providing increased platforms for campus listening and representation by engaging the University community in a comprehensive diversity audit. Additionally, Nnoromele guided the renovation of the Multicultural Center to offer integrated academic support services and expanded programming, partnered with the Office of the Provost to revamp the Diverse Faculty Mentoring program and streamlined the process of applying for the Opportunity Hire Fund to promote the hiring of diverse faculty and staff. Such efforts have enhanced and enriched OHIO’s educational pursuits and mission in lasting ways.

“Dr. Nnoromele and her team have made a number of great accomplishments over the past year,” said President Gonzalez. “We are grateful for the lasting impact she’s made in helping foster an inclusive community for everyone across the University, and we wish her the best as she begins her next chapter at OHIO.”

Russell Morrow assumes leadership of OHIO’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion after serving as the first assistant dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within the College of Business. Morrow earned a doctorate in educational administration from Ohio State University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in media arts and video production and a master’s in college student personnel – both from OHIO.

Before joining Ohio University in fall 2022, Morrow worked at a variety of well-recognized colleges across the country, including the University of California-Davis, Ohio State University and Denison University, in a variety of education roles, including residence life, academic advising, orientation, multicultural affairs and teaching.

“Dr. Morrow’s cross-functional higher education experiences have gifted him with the ability to approach work as both a scholar and a practitioner,” President Gonzalez said. “I look forward to working closely with him and his team as he takes on this important leadership role at OHIO.”