TIMES UNION REPORTS – A 2014 graduate of Manchester University has been promoted to director of student diversity and inclusion.
Rudy Rolle will spearhead efforts to promote a diverse and vibrant community by raising awareness, fostering cross-cultural exchange and encouraging a global perspective on education. His job includes assisting in recruiting and retaining students of color and international students, according to a news release from Manchester University.
“His personal experience of the student lifecycle – from enrollment and through all facets of the MU education to graduation – makes him an ideal person to serve this role,” said Abby Van Vlerah, vice president of student life.
Rolle graduated from Manchester with a bachelor’s degree in business management. He remained at his alma mater as an admissions counselor, was promoted to assistant director of admissions, and then was named assistant registrar in 2017.
“The biggest thing I hope to do for our students is to help build an environment where they feel supported and welcome, both on campus and in the community, so that they can really succeed and thrive and become their best selves,” Rolle said. “That is what I found during my time at MU and I had a great support system while I was here to help foster that growth. I would like to provide the same for our students now.”
“I am so grateful for this position and that the University, my colleagues, and our students have given me the opportunity to help educate our students on diversity, equity and inclusion,” he said.
He will manage the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center on the North Manchester campus, providing a support network, outreach, advocacy and other services for students and the campus community.
“We were lucky to have someone ready to jump into this work in our own community. Rudy has had many experiences both as a Manchester student and resident of North Manchester that will suit him well in this work,” Van Vlerah said. “This position focuses specifically on the student experience and student diversity programming. Rudy’s deep knowledge of Manchester will complement this role.
