BREMERTON – Cheryl Nuñez is Olympic College’s first vice president for equity and inclusion. She was hired in May and will begin working at the college later this month.

Nuñez served in similar positions at Xavier University and Northern Kentucky University.

“My emphasis as vice president for equity and inclusion will be the students who are at the center of all we do,” she said in an announcement of her appointment. “Maximizing their success requires that we function as an inclusive community in which all can contribute fully to OC’s mission and strategic goals.”

As assistant to the president for diversity and equity and chief diversity officer at Xavier University (2005-13), she relied on assessment data and broad input to develop the college’s first strategic plan for diversity and many of the tools and strategies necessary to implement it.

Prior to joining Xavier, Nuñez served as director of affirmative action and multicultural affairs at Northern Kentucky University (1995-2005). She helped institutionalize multiculturalism in all aspects of college life, while overseeing Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action compliance.

“Cheryl’s experience aligns closely with work we’ve done to include diversity, equity and inclusion in our core themes and strategic goals,” Olympic College President Dr. David Mitchell said in an announcement of her appointment. “This will help us to close a widening opportunity gap while working to ensure all individuals have the ability to achieve their academic goals.”

Nuñez has a bachelor’s degree in English and American literature and language from Harvard University, and a master’s degree in educational foundations from the University of Cincinnati. She will oversee the Human Resource Services and Communications and Web Services departments, and provide leadership for some of OC’s compliance efforts.

Incoming student body president Drayton Jackson believes Nuñez will have a positive impact at the college in a variety of ways including hiring.

“What excites me is that she is involved in human resources, because it will help spread diversity into the faculty,” he said. “We have a growing multicultural population here at OC and students want to see their diversity reflected in the staff and faculty they see on our campuses.”