NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma announced today that Jane Irungu will serve as the interim associate vice president for university community at the University of Oklahoma. She will join the staff of the Office of University Community beginning Aug. 20. A search committee comprised of 10 faculty and staff members of the university submitted their recommendations to OU President James L. Gallogly for his selection. A national recruitment search will commence early this fall with a transparent and open process, including a committee representing the diversity of the university.

“I am honored and humbled for the opportunity to serve in this new role,” writes Irungu. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students and the entire OU community to enhance the foundations and principles of inclusive excellence that are part of our OU vision and mission.”

“We are so grateful to Dr. Irungu for taking on this incredibly important role within our university,” said OU President James Gallogly. “We have the utmost confidence in her leadership of the Office of University Community and I look forward to working with her.”

Currently, Irungu serves as the executive director for the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies, a division of University Outreach, where she provides strategic supervision for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in the United States. She also aids in the design and implementation of curriculum for the First Year Diversity Experience, which is provided to more than 4,000 freshmen students each year.

Prior to joining OU, Irungu held different positions at the University of Oregon, including assistant vice president of intercultural initiatives in the Division of Student Life and director of the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence in the Division of Equity and Inclusion.

The associate vice president for University Community will have oversight of all diversity programs within the university. She will collaborate with the Division of Student Affairs to promote inclusive student programs and services. She will work directly with the president, college deans and other university leadership to broaden the pool of applicants for faculty and staff positions.