Two seasoned DEI experts are soon joining CU Denver’s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These positions will focus on providing support and resources to enhance each student’s experience and nurture a sense of belonging and empowerment, as well as promoting a diverse and inclusive campus. Miguel Morris will serve as the executive assistant to Antonio Farias, vice chancellor for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Precious Palmer will serve as the director for Black Student Services.
Morris is a native of Colorado, but he has lived in Australia, Europe, and Latin America for a bulk of his life. Having graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Miguel pursued careers in academia and within the educational travel industry. He has a special eye to detail and planning, but loves getting to know people and working with a diverse group of individuals. In previous and current jobs, he has organized workshops, promoted educational and career resources, administered inventories, managed school events, led trips overseas, assisted with financial aid management, and taught and translated five languages (English, Croatian, French, Italian, and Spanish). He is a passionate advocate in helping those whose voices are often ignored and forgotten, and believes education is the gateway to a better future and understanding of the world.
Morris’ first day at CU Denver will be Sept. 15. His new role will be instrumental in the daily operations of the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, where he will support the dynamic nature of the work of Vice Chancellor for DEI Antonio Farias, run DEI workshops, reimagine and implement a student-first website, initiate social media campaigns, and ensure a bilingual mindset is infused in both internal and external communications.
Palmer joins CU Denver from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud Minnesota, where she was the assistant director in Multicultural Student Services (MSS) and received a master’s in mass communications. Palmer’s been a staff member in MSS for the past 8 years, serving as an advisor for several cultural organizations, as well as advocating and providing support for students. She has worked on numerous external grants to help support underrepresented students achieve college success.
Palmer’s first day at CU Denver will be Sept. 30. Her new role will be based in Black Student Services (BSS), one of four offices within CU Denver’s Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII), which falls under the umbrella of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She will be responsible for enhancing the academic, cultural, social, and professional development of Black students through an intersectional lens. In addition, she will be instrumental in the university’s successful efforts to become an equity serving institution, as well as advising on the creation of a culturally enhanced campus environment where a deep sense of belonging can flourish.
Active searches are underway for the director of Latinx Student Services, director of the Women & Gender Center, CII coordinator, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) coordinator.