News Release — For info contact Lori Melton, [email protected], 218-726-8830.
This new position reflects UMD’s dedication to creating a positive and inclusive campus climate. This is an expansion of Pelayo-Woodward’s current role as director of Diversity and Inclusion.
Pelayo-Woodward is charged with providing vision and leadership for diversity and inclusion initiatives and serving as a member of the Chancellor’s Senior Leadership Council. “This is a more strategic way to address diversity and inclusion because, as part of the Leadership Council, she can better align UMD’s objectives with the best practices in the field,” said Chancellor Lendley (Lynn) Black.
Pelayo-Woodward’s UMD career began in 1992 when she was hired as the Hispanic Student Services coordinator.
This new position also reflects the expiration of the faculty fellow for Intercultural Initiatives position. Dr. Paula Pedersen was hired in this capacity in 2013. “She’s done tremendous work in advancing our campus community in cultural competency, and I thank her for her dedication,” said Black. While her faculty fellow position is set to expire this summer, Pedersen will continue to work with diversity and inclusion training and development for campus.