The College of Professional Studies announces the appointment of Noura Allen as director of diversity and inclusive excellence.
Allen will lead, develop and implement strategies to align the College of Professional Studies’ diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) initiatives. Allen will also consult and partner with University departments to advance efforts across the college to provide a welcoming and affirming environment for all post-traditional ϲ students.
Noura Allen
“We are extremely excited to have Noura joining the college and the senior leadership team at this important and transformational time,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility extends from our staff and faculty to the differentiated programming and services we provide to our students. Noura will build that commitment into a model of excellence within and beyond ϲ.”
Allen joins ϲ from Virginia Commonwealth University, where they served as the assistant director of residence life for multicultural affairs since 2018. Allen’s career additionally includes serving as the assistant director for residence life and housing at the University of Mary Washington from 2016 to 2018 and residence director for the STEM Residential College and South Campus at ϲ from 2012 to 2016.
With a master of science in higher education leadership from Old Dominion University and a bachelor of science in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University, Allen has presented research and facilitated a series of courses and training regarding DEIA initiatives in the workplace.
Allen has served on various DEIA committees for residential life and housing in Richmond, Virginia, which includes chairing the Inclusive Action Committee as well as serving on the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, Inclusion Council; the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy and Procedure Committee, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training and Development Committee.
“Bell hooks wrote, ‘Honesty and openness is always the foundation of insight dialogue.’ The College of Professional Studies is poised to be a trailblazer for DEIA initiatives at ϲ through their approach to transparent and authentic leadership,” says Allen. “I believe that my lived experience has uniquely prepared me to lead this team, and I am excited to do the hard work that needs to be done.”
