University Plans Review of Equity Office
By Daniel Walsch
Equity Vice President Earl G. Ingram recently announced his intention to retire
in May 2003, and the announcement has triggered plans by George Mason to conduct
a comprehensive internal review of the Equity Office. The review will be launched
later this year.
“Anytime a significant change in leadership occurs or, as in this case,
is on the horizon, it makes sense to review the area or office directly involved,”
says President Alan Merten. “One of our primary goals here will be to identify
ways in which we can build upon the successes and good work of Earl and his office.”
“Earl Ingram has been a valuable mainstay at George Mason for many years,”
the president added. “We have been fortunate to have had his steady hand
and wise counsel as long as we have.”
Ingram came to George Mason in July 1987 as interim assistant senior vice president
for Affirmative Action through the Federal Intergovernmental Exchange Program,
which enables federal employees to work outside the government to gain additional
experience. In 1990, he was appointed vice president and university equity officer
by then-university president George Johnson.
To transition toward retirement, Ingram has changed in his work schedule. No longer
working full time, he is now on campus three days per week and works out of his
home one day per week.
Since 1990, it has been the responsibility of Ingram and the Equity Office
to be involved in the recruitment of minority faculty and staff and the retention
of minority students. In addition, Ingram has devoted much of his energy toward
establishing and maintaining an environment at George Mason in which each academic
and support unit on campus contributes to the campus’ overall “cultural
diversity” in ways appropriate to their respective missions.
Ingram has seen George Mason emerge into one of the most diverse institutions
of higher learning in the United States. Between 1988–99, for instance, the
number of minority students on campus grew from 2,703 to 6,437 (that is, from
14 percent to 26 percent). During that same time, the number of minority faculty
and staff members increased from 1,748 to 2,312.
However, significant issues remain concerning the number and rank of minority
faculty and staff, and the Equity Office review must keep in mind these issues
and the larger university commitment to progress in this area.
Details on the review of the Equity Office will be announced as it gets under
way.
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