A nationally recognized leader of equity and inclusion and former employee of Wright State University has accepted a new position in Toledo.
Matt Boaz, the former chief diversity officer at Wright State, will serve as the director of diversity and inclusion with the City of Toledo, according to an announcement from University President Cheryl Schrader.
Boaz has worked at Wright State since 2013, according to a press release. During his time at the university, Boaz served as director of equity and inclusion, Title IX coordinator and chief diversity officer.
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Schrader congratulated Boaz for his contributions to Wright State.
“He provided leadership in promoting a campus culture that supports diversity and inclusion, forging strong partnerships with students, faculty, and staff,” Schrader said.
As chief diversity officer, Boaz played a role in the implementation of all-gender restrooms on campus.
Boaz also oversaw the Office of Equity and Inclusion; Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center; Office of Latinx, Asian, and Native American Affairs; Women’s Center; Office of LGBTQA Affairs; Office of Disability Services; and the Veteran and Military Center.
Boaz received the Green County Prosecutor’s Office 2017 Community Service Award and, along with Tom Webb, director of disability services, the Edward M. Kennedy Community Service Award from the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity.
It is not clear when Boaz will start his new position. Boaz declined to comment for this story.
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Boaz previously said that he hoped “to create and maintain an environment in which every member of the Wright State community will feel valued because of their unique identity and authentic self so they are proud of their experience with the university,” according to the press release.
The university is currently hiring a long-term chief diversity officer, Schrader said. In the meantime, Lindsay Miller, director of equity and inclusion and Title IX coordinator, will serve as interim chief diversity officer.
Asia Miller, president of the Wright State Chapter of NAACP and WSU student, praised Boaz for encouraging other student organizations to incorporate diversity and inclusion in their missions.
“That made a big difference on campus,” Miller said. “I’m definitely going to miss him and miss his work as well.”
