The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester announced Wednesday it has hired Tomicka Wagstaff as its new vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Wagstaff hails from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York where she serves as assistant vice president to student access and success. In that role, she created and implemented a DEI curriculum using data-driven programs to eliminate student achievement gaps. Under her leadership, RIT had a 15% growth in graduation rates among underrepresented students, according to Holy Cross’ press release.
Wagstaff will begin her new position in January, per the announcement. She succeed Amit Taneja, who left earlier this year to pursue a position at Chautauqua Institution in New York.
Wagstaff holds degrees in sociology and student personnel administration from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, as well as a doctorate in higher education from the University of Rochester.
Holy Cross implemented an anti-racism action plan in June 2020, which established a permanent committee for diversity, equity, and inclusion on its Board of Trustees.
