ACC names new Chief Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Larry Davis, ACC Chief Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer

The Austin Community College District (ACC) names Larry M. Davis as the college's new Chief Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer (CEDIO). The CEDIO will continue the college's work to address equity gaps at ACC.

"ACC spent the past seven years working toward transformational and sustainable change to close equity and inclusion gaps in our community. We've made progress, but there's still a lot of work ahead," says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. "The college is committed to taking action that's necessary to make a difference. Our Chief Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer is vital to this important work. We're excited to welcome Larry. He will no doubt help us build on our mission for equitable success for all students, particularly those most vulnerable in our community."

As CEDIO, Davis will serve on the President's Cabinet, report to the Office of the Provost, and will lead ACC's internal initiatives to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in instructional and student affairs. He also will work hand-in-hand with the ACC Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation Campus Center to build and expand ACC initiatives with our external community.

"Our role as a community college is to not only support all students but to close equity and diversity gaps within our college and across our community," says Dr. Charles Cook, ACC Provost and executive vice president of Academic Affairs. "Larry brings with him a proven track record of success and suggestions for resolving issues and making progress utilizing a strengths-based and inclusive approach."

"I feel humbled and honored to be entrusted with the opportunity to join the ACC family in their continued efforts to do what may have in the past appeared impossible to achieve — creating a culture of equity and inclusion where race, ethnicity, gender, and other human differences are no longer predictors of success. Nelson Mandela said, 'It always seems impossible until it is done,'" says Davis. "I am excited to work collaboratively with and to labor intentionally alongside faculty, staff, students, and administrators to plan and develop the infrastructure for equity, diversity, and inclusion to meet the continued needs of the campus community."

Davis has a rich history working with diverse student populations and most recently served dual roles as Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Student Success at Texas A&M University - Central Texas (TAMU-CT). He also has served as a guidance counselor, vocational rehabilitation counselor and caseworker, retention coordinator, and disability accommodations specialist.

Davis has a bachelor's degree in business education/physical education from Baylor University and a master's degree in educational leadership from Tarleton State University. He also holds licenses as a Certified Advanced Family Mediator and as a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach.

Davis' selection at ACC CEDIO is the result of a months-long nationwide search. He is expected to start in early July 2020.