Meet Texas Tech's New Vice President For Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Allison Hirth; Jeff Ramazani; Weston Brooks

September 18, 2018

(VIDEO) Before coming to Lubbock, Carol Sumner was the senior associate dean of students at Arizona State University.

Carol Sumner began as vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in June 2018, but she's no stranger to working in higher education. Prior to Arizona State University, Sumner worked at Washington University, Illinois State University and Wilberforce University.

"This was not a planned move in my life," Sumner said. "But it was one of the best decisions I could've made. Everybody really seems interested in the work that we're doing, and not because it's something they feel like they have to do, but they recognize the value in building a community that allows everyone to be part of what's going on."

So, where did Sumner grow up? Why did she take the job at Texas Tech, and what are her goals? She answers those questions and more.

tags: Academics, Diversity, Faculty, Feature Stories, Stories, Videos, provost

Texas Tech University

A new era of excellence is dawning at Texas Tech University as it stands on the cusp of being one of the nation's premier research institutions.

Research and enrollment numbers are at record levels, which cement Texas Tech's commitment to attracting and retaining quality students. In fall 2020, the university achieved a goal more than a decade in the making, reaching a total student population of more than 40,000. In 2018, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education again placed Texas Tech among its top doctoral universities in the nation in the “Very High Research Activity” category. Texas Tech is one of 94 public institutions nationally and 131 overall to achieve this prestigious recognition.

Quality students need top-notch faculty. Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly revered pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and service. The university strives to foster an environment that celebrates student accomplishment above all else. Texas Tech is large enough to provide the best in facilities and academics but prides itself on being able to focus on each student individually.

The momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater.

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Division of Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion

The Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to create and support an environment that allows all members of the university community to be academically and professionally successful.

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