Sacred Heart University has named Dr. Amanda Moras as interim Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). Moras will take over this role for the university effective immediately while also continuing with her current position as Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning.
Sacred Heart’s Office for Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) is tasked with leading and developing diversity, inclusion and equity efforts across campus.
“The CDIO will lead university-wide efforts to create a diverse and supportive learning and working environment in which all members of the community have the opportunity to succeed,” said Provost Robin Cautin.
According to Moras, she will focus on collaborating with faculty, students and staff to build more inclusive teaching and learning spaces in her time as interim CDIO.
“I am excited by the work that has been done and inspired by the energy and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” said Moras. “I look forward to collaborating with the Multicultural Center, Student Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning and other divisions to ensure that we are best supporting all of our students.”
According to Cautin, the university will be conducting a nationwide search for a permanent hire for the CDIO position.
During that hiring process, however, it is important that this work continues in the meantime, according to Moras.
Moras has been at Sacred Heart since 2010 and initially started as a sociology professor.
“Dr. Moras is a very energetic and passionate professor,” said junior Abby Molloy, a sociology minor. “She makes sure to relate her content to the lives of college students, which makes her classes really relatable and interesting.”
According to Moras, much of her personal background is in working with students.
“It was obvious in the classes I took with Dr. Moras that she genuinely cares about her students and their success both in and out of the classroom,” said Molloy.
In addition to teaching, Moras also stepped into the role of Associate Dean for Student Success in the College of Arts and Sciences.
This past January, she moved into the Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning position before the addition of her new role as CDIO.
According to Moras, the transition into this new role has been very exciting.
“Within minutes of the email announcement going out, I was contacted by so many people across campus with ideas and offers to collaborate,” said Moras. “The office has been built on the commitment that we are ‘stronger together’ and this overwhelming response speaks to that.”
Moras and her team are currently working on a teaching and learning series to bring the Sacred Heart community closer together in order to create a more accepting, equitable learning atmosphere. In addition, a campus-wide survey regarding diversity and inclusion will be sent out this week.
According to Moras, it is important that our whole community participates in this survey.
“I have loved my time at SHU and I see this as another opportunity for us to live our values,” said Moras.
