BUFFALO, NY – Fatima Rodriguez Johnson MS ’98 will become the first associate dean for diversity and inclusion at Canisius University when she begins work Tuesday, Feb. 19. She was previously the associate dean of students for multicultural programs and services at the State University of New York at Geneseo.
In her former position, Johnson was a spokesperson for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, implementing educational programs in support of the academic mission; supervising professional staff and students; and serving as a resource for the college community. She was instrumental in the development of more than 85 programs, which reached approximately 8,000 students, served as the supervisor of LGBTQ programs and services, as a resource for student recruitment, and played a role in the Equity Scorecard Project at Geneseo.
In Canisius’ newly created position, Johnson’s responsibilities include establishing and overseeing campus-wide programs and services that promote diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice. She will work alongside the African American, Latino/a American, Asian American and Native American (ALANA) Student Center, chair the college’s Racial Diversity Team, supervise the Academic Talent Search Program, and serve as director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP).
Johnson’s community involvement spans far and wide as she serves as a board member for many organizations including the Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS), the Interfaith Center as well as the Western New York Coalition of Multicultural Affairs Offices. She has received many accolades for her work. Recently, Johnson received the 2017 INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine Giving Back Award.
Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the State University of New York College at Fredonia and her master’s degree in higher education and higher education administration in 1998 from Canisius University.
One of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation, Canisius is the premier private university in Western New York.
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