The Middlebury Campus

Issue date: 2/28/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: Sharai Lewis-Gruss As the new Dean of Institutional Diversity, Ramirez will work with students to increase diversity awareness. [Click to enlarge]

Shirley Ramirez was recently appointed Middlebury's Dean of Institutional Diversity, a position created at the recommendation of the Human Relations Committee. Ramirez, a Latina clinical psychologist from New York City and former Executive Vice President of The Posse Foundation, moved to Middlebury to guide the College towards a model of diversity in higher education on a national level.


The Middlebury Campus: Why Middlebury College?

Shirley Ramirez: Everyone says that Middlebury is a special place. I have to be honest that I was working in my dream job as executive vice president of the Posse Foundation, where I had the opportunity to impact higher education in a very dynamic way as an outsider. During my six year tenure, I was able to really see what some of the leading institutions were doing about issues relating to diversity. It became clear to me that I needed to be inside an institution that was well-positioned to become a model in addressing important issues relating to diversity.

I do feel that Middlebury is that kind of place and that I am currently in a position that has the support to make some bold moves. Middlebury, like Posse, has this infectious kind of quality. You meet people that say, regardless of their background, that this place transformed them and is deeply embedded in their identity. I was drawn to going to another place that was able to transform people. Years and years later alumni still light up when speaking about Middlebury. That impresses me and I want so many others to follow in their footsteps.

TC: How would you define diversity?

SR: I see diversity as completely inclusive. Diversity is a term that has unfortunately lost its value. People think about it as a sound bite, something people are only verbally committed to and not taking seriously. I view diversity as inclusive and multi-dimensional. It factors in all aspects of people's identity including socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, language, thought and so many other things. Diversity, unfortunately, is often equated with minority, race and ethnicity only. A truly diverse campus and community provides an environment that is truly an academically and socially engaged place.

Continued...

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