CU names chief diversity officer

The University of Colorado today named Theodosia Cook as chief diversity officer for the four-campus university system.

Cook, now director of the campus climate and culture initiative at Dartmouth College, will help develop and implement system-wide policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. She will also coordinate and collaborate with chief diversity officers, faculty and administrators on each of the campuses. The position leads efforts to ensure diversity is effectively represented in CU’s strategic and annual planning. Diversity and Inclusion is one of the pillars of CU’s system-wide strategic planning process, Leaning Into the Future, which is in process.

“I’m excited to be part of a university that makes diversity, equity and inclusion focal points of its activities and institutional culture,” Cook said. “CU has an exceptional and committed team, and I’m happy to join it to build on the substantial progress that is already being made.”

Cook will report to CU President Mark Kennedy. In her role, she will also foster diversity and inclusion in staffing at CU’s system administration. She begins her duties May 1.

“Theodosia Cook is an accomplished and experienced professional and I’m thrilled to have her join our team,” Kennedy said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of the university and its students, and she will play an important role in ensuring that success.”

Cook previously served as director of institutional diversity and equity at Dartmouth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Sewanee: The University of the South and a master’s degree in education leadership from Columbia University.

Contact:         Ken McConnellogue, Ken.mcconnellogue@cu.edu 303.815.8481