GCSU welcomes new Chief Diversity Officer

Dear Campus Community:

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Snowden has been selected to serve as the new Chief Diversity Officer for Georgia College & State University (GCSU).  He will officially take over this role with GCSU on July 1, 2023.

Throughout his career, Dr. Snowden has amplified the voices of underserved student populations, bringing to the forefront the themes of inclusivity and belongingness in higher education. He also has a strong track record in each of his professional endeavors, evaluating and implementing new practices at every step in his career.

Dr. Snowden has most recently served as the Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Northwestern State University in Louisiana. In that capacity, he developed a strategic plan for diversity, equity and inclusivity and established training modules and coaching seminars for his university community.

Dr. Snowden has also worked for McNeese State University in Louisiana as Chief Diversity and Title IX Officer for nine years, where he was selected for the University of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute. He is no stranger to the University System of Georgia, having served Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah as Director of Multicultural Affairs for 12 years.

Dr. Snowden earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Leadership and a PhD in Educational Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education, all from the University of Southern Mississippi.

GCSU will benefit greatly from his passion and deep experience in this field, and his willingness to share that knowledge across our campus. Dr. Snowden has produced professional presentations on a wide range of topics in both educational and professional settings related to inclusive excellence, and has served as keynote speaker at a number of high-impact events. Dr. Snowden will join our university’s leadership team at a time when we are welcoming the largest and one of the most diverse first-year classes we have had in years. We can’t wait to have him get started on this important work.

I am incredibly thankful for the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Graham, who has led the Office of Inclusive Excellence with focus, commitment and expertise as our Interim Chief Diversity Officer since Jan. 4, 2022. She has moved so many programs and initiatives forward to assure that GCSU is a welcoming campus for all students, faculty and staff over the past 18 months, and prepared OIE for a smooth transition.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the entire search committee for its diligence in conducting this competitive national search, along with Dr. Dan Nadler for chairing the committee. Dr. Snowden will be on campus July 5, right after the July 4 holiday. I know you will join me in welcoming Dr. Snowden to Georgia College upon his arrival.

Warm Regards,

Cathy Cox, J.D.

President

Georgia College & State University