Fitchburg State appoints first executive director of diversity
Photo I Courtesy of Fitchburg State University
Joshua Dodds, Fitchburg State University's inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, and belonging programs
Joshua Dodds has been named Fitchburg State University’s inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, and belonging programs as the institution looks to create an inclusive community amidst heightened anti-DEI sentiments throughout the country.
In his new role, Dodds will take a holistic approach to DEI and belonging work, centering the whole campus population as opposed to focusing solely on student experience, according to a Monday press release from FSU.
“Fitchburg State will rise depending on our ability to create and foster a campus where all students feel they are welcomed to pursue their highest aspirations for themselves,” FSU President Donna Hodge said in the release. “I believe Josh will help drive the conversations among our students, faculty, librarians, and staff members that will make that vision a reality.”
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Dodds joins FSU with 15 years of professional DEI experience. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at a number of higher education institutions including at FSU, UMass Amherst, South University in Georgia, and Suffolk University in Boston, according to his LinkedIn profile. Dodds previously acted as director of diversity and inclusion at Anna Maria College in Paxton and as dean of school culture at Baystate Academy Charter Public School in Springfield.
“Right now we’re in a period of re-education about DEI,” he said. “It’s about recognizing socioeconomic status and identity,” Dodds said in the release. “We all embody diversity. Belonging means being at the table, and also feeling welcome at the table. It means we need everybody at the table in order for all of us to have the same vision. These perspectives coming together will help us have a better perspective on life.”
Dodds graduated with his master’s degree in higher education administration from Northeastern University in Boston and his bachelor’s degree in sociology from UMass Amherst. He is a member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, both based in Washington, D.C., and is a leadership fellow with the National Association for Campus Activities, based in South Carolina.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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