Dr. Dereck Rovaris, incoming vice president for equity and strategic initiatives at St. Mary's College of Maryland
"Dr. Rovaris will be an invaluable addition to our community," said Jordan. "His experience and wealth of knowledge will aid in amplifying existing programs. By helping us develop and implement new programs, the College can both fulfill its mission and become a place where all who enter our community have the greatest opportunity to thrive."
In this new position, Rovaris will be a strategic advisor on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access issues across campus. He most recently served as Louisiana State University's vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Previously, Rovaris also served four years as associate vice chancellor for academic and multicultural affairs at the University of Louisiana Health and Sciences Center. He has over 30 years of higher education experience.
"At this point in my career, there were many options, but none 'checked the boxes' like St. Mary's College of Maryland," said Rovaris. "Upon my visit to campus, I had the opportunity to meet wonderful faculty and staff, but I was most impressed by the students. It will be a pleasure to work with such an engaging community as we lead equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice initiatives and practices for the National Public Honors College."
Rovaris earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas, his master's degree from Xavier University of Louisiana, and his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
