Jones Begins Tenure as Harvard's First Associate Chief Diversity Officer

Norm J. Jones, who was named Harvard’s first associate chief diversity officer last week, began his appointment on Tuesday at the Office of the Assistant to the President for Institutional Diversity and Equity.

First established in 1971, the office’s primary mission has been to “lead a sustained University-wide effort and to develop, coordinate, and advance inclusive excellence, diversity, and equal opportunity (EO) initiatives, programs and policies at Harvard University,” according to the group's website.

As associate chief diversity officer, Jones will manage and assist the development of diversity initiatives and outreach programs at Harvard, according to a job listing posted on the website Higher Ed Jobs. He will also work closely with the human resources department as a consultant, collect and analyze relevant data on diversity, deliver presentations and conduct workshops, and publish an annual diversity report for the University.

Jones graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta with a bachelor of arts degree in English and Linguistics, and went on to earn a master’s degree in Public Administration from Penn State University and a post-doctorate degree in Workforce Education and Development.

Jones has spent most of his career in professional roles working on diversity, affirmative action, and equal opportunity issues,

Jones has been involved with several community organizations and boards, like the Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation, the United Way of Carlisle and Cumberland County, the Holistic Hands Community Development Corporation, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and the Art Association of Harrisburg, according to the Harvard Gazette.

Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant to the President Lisa M. Coleman praised Jones in a press release.

“His expertise on all areas pertinent to diversity and inclusion, as well as his skills in leadership development, strategic planning, program management, and community outreach will enable him to partner and collaborate with colleagues from across the university,” she said.

Before joining Harvard’s Diversity and Equity team, Jones served as the associate vice president of student development and dean of institutional diversity at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he began working in 2001. Jones also oversaw the college’s Women’s Center, LGBTQ Services offices, Student Conduct center, and education programs dealing with Title IX compliance, according to the Gazette.

“At Dickinson, he has provided strong strategic leadership and direction in advancing the college's diversity and inclusion efforts. He will be a valuable asset to the Harvard community,” Coleman said.

Jones and Coleman could not be reached for comment through a spokesperson on Tuesday.