Louis Macias, currently the executive director of recruitment, diversity and inclusion at the UW Police Department (UWPD), will become the college’s first associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion after being selected from a pool of candidates that included three highly qualified and experienced finalists.

Macias will be the first to fill such a role in CALS, reporting directly to the dean and charged with leading the college’s new Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and related strategic initiatives. The college’s Equity and Diversity Committee (EDC) advocated for the creation of the position.

“In December 2020, I announced that CALS would be moving forward on five recommendations from the EDC that would put us on a strong course to foster diversity and inclusion in the college,” said Dean Kate VandenBosch. “I am excited that we have been successful in recruiting Dr. Louis Macias to build and lead the new office. Louis’s enthusiasm and his experience in working in many diversity-related positions in higher education are a terrific fit for this inaugural role. I often hear from members of our community that they are eager to partner with a new chief diversity officer to advance shared goals, and so I anticipate that Louis will receive a warm welcome. Many thanks to the members of the search committee for their dedication to this process. I deeply appreciate their efforts and insight.”

The CALS Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will develop and lead activities that contribute to the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented students, staff, and faculty; enhance inclusive teaching practices; and support research excellence that reflects the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It will also serve as a resource for students, student organizations, staff and faculty.

Macias brings varied experience to the role. Most recently serving as the inaugural chief diversity officer for UWPD, he led the design and implementation of the unit’s Racial Equity Initiative and Equity Dashboard. In prior roles at UW, he served as a development director for the Law School and founded the Business Emerging Leaders program in the Wisconsin School of Business. A former middle and high school teacher, he earned an EdD in higher education and a BS at Florida State University.

“I am excited to join the CALS community as the inaugural associate dean,” Macias said. “Alongside students, faculty and staff colleagues, external stakeholders and campus partners alike, I look forward to harnessing our collective will, effort and intention toward maximizing the college’s potential. Together, I know we will continue molding CALS into a beacon of inclusive excellence at UW–Madison and beyond.”

Macias begins the position on Jan. 16, 2022. He will have an office in 140 Ag Hall.