CHARLOTTE – The University of North Carolina at Charlotte has appointed Brandon L. Wolfe, Ph.D., as associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer, the university announced this week in a statement.

Wolfe will begin the role on November 1, the University stated.  The role also includes serving on the Chancellor’s Cabinet in addition to stated responsibilities in overseeing the institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, programs, and efforts.

Brandon L. Wolfe, Ph.D. Image provided by UNC Charlotte.

“To be a leader in our region, Charlotte must also be a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion. Brandon is a distinguished and passionate leader and scholar whose demonstrated expertise and cogent knowledge of DEI strategies will enable him to lead the important work of sustaining a climate of transparency, inclusive excellence and equity across all dimensions of our University,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber, who created the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in 2020, following her selection as Chancellor.

Wolfe will be “pivotal” said Gaber.  Wolfe will report directly to Gaber, the university noted.  Wolfe most recently was the assistant vice president of campus and community engagement in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

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At UNC Charlotte, Wolfe will “coordinate with staff, faculty and students to build on the University’s diversity and inclusion efforts to create an accessible, inclusive and equitable climate, as well as identify and address potential barriers and institutional systems that may foster systemic inequalities,” the statement issued by the institution reads.   He will report directly to Gaber and work closely with leaders to develop and align strategic goals across the University.

“There is also a demonstrated commitment from leadership to use our diversity to leverage equity and inclusion to shape strategies and tactics that prioritize and pursue institutional excellence in ways that are both transformational and sustainable,” said Wolfe.

Wolfe stated he believes that the university can become a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

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According to UNC Charlotte, the university already enrolls and graduates one of the most diverse student bodies in the UNC System. Enrollment data shared by the university lists the percentage of Charlotte’s undergraduate students who identify as an underrepresented minority having increased to 36% in the most recent enrollment period, including an increase of undergraduate freshman identifying as black or African American to 18% and an increase in new undergraduates identifying as Hispanic to 12%, the university said.

Wolfe succeeds Cheryl Waites Spellman, Ph.D., who served as the interim special assistant to the chancellor for diversity and inclusion from September 16, 2020 until October 31, 2021.