Warm welcome for new leader of Office of Diversity and Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion on Monday welcomed new Associate Vice Chancellor Brenda J. Allen at a meet-and-greet on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Allen took over the position as of Aug. 1 and already has big plans for bringing a higher degree of diversity to both the Anschutz Medical Campus and the Denver Campus.

“One goal I have for the semester and year is I want to do an in-depth inventory of who is doing what on both campuses so I can understand better what we have going on and where we can grow,” Allen said.

“She is an amazing teacher, consultant and speaker,” said Sally Thee, executive assistant to Allen. “She brings a huge range of diversity to the team. It is not just about skin color.”

Dominic Martinez, director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said of Allen, “She brings a lot of great communication to the office.”
Allen has been in the CU system for more than 20 years and has brought groundbreaking ideas to the table from the beginning. Her book “Difference Matters” is used in many different communication courses.

There were many well-wishers who stopped by to say hello -- so many that there was a constant line to speak with Allen.

“I really feel so blessed to be in this position,” Allen said.

Allen will be overseeing both the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP) on the Auraria Campus and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion on the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Added Martinez, “Allen will bring such a great new perspective to the position. It is really exciting.”