Willie "Derrick" Crawford Named to New Diversity and Equity Position at CSUSM

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) President Karen Haynes has announced that Willie "Derrick" Crawford, Esq. has been named associate vice president of diversity and educational equity and ombudsperson.Crawford, currently the chief diversity and equal employment opportunity officer (CDO/EEOO) at The Citadel, will assume his new role on July 5, 2011.Haynes initiated a nationwide search for the newly created position this spring. Serving as the university's chief diversity officer, Crawford will work with administration, faculty, staff and students to ensure that University policies are inclusive and work towards stated commitments toward institutional diversity, social justice and equity. As ombudsperson, Crawford will also serve as the designated impartial dispute resolution administrator, providing confidential and informal assistance to university constituents.Crawford was chosen from a field of nearly 80 applicants and was among the finalists who recently visited CSUSM for interviews and an open forum with members of the university community."I am thrilled to have been chosen as the associate vice president for diversity and educational equity and ombudsperson for Cal State San Marcos," commented Crawford. "I have long been a passionate advocate for diversity in higher education and CSUSM is the ideal institution for me to continue my advocacy for diversity and equity issues. I'm very excited about CSUSM's future, as it is a young and growing institution of higher learning and one that serves a very diverse student and faculty population. I am also very excited about working for a leader like Karen Haynes, who is a visionary and a true advocate for diversity. I can't wait to get started!"  Crawford comes to CSUSM with 20 years of experience in diversity-related work. In his current role as CDO/EEOO at The Citadel, Mr. Crawford is responsible for planning, coordinating and managing all functions of the Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity program for the University. Those responsibilities include policy development, diversity training, research, recruitment, and advising senior officials on diversity trends and best practices. Previously, he was employed by the National Football League (NFL) where he held several positions, including director of Human Resources and Senior Compliance Officer. While at the NFL, he co-chaired a diversity council and provided direction and leadership for diversity efforts.Crawford holds a juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alabama."Since our founding over 20 years ago, we have made diversity a core value," said Haynes. "We have not only sought to enhance visible diversity on our campus but also the sensitivity, respect and support we accord to all members of our community. In filling this position we take another significant step forward in our mission to be an inclusive university that embraces diversity and celebrates differences at all levels of our community. I am certain that Mr. Crawford will bring to this position a commitment and passion to diversity, equal opportunity and higher education."About California State University San MarcosCalifornia State University San Marcos combines the ambiance of a mid-sized, personal, modern campus with the unequaled value of the California State University. Since its founding in 1989, the campus has distinguished itself. Students benefit from the latest facilities and equipment, a superb faculty that enjoys teaching, and a rigorous academic program that prepares students for a successful life in and out of the workplace. A recent survey reported that our annual spending in the region was $161 million, generating a total impact of $307 million on the regional economy. 85 percent of CSUSM's alumni stay in the region. CSU San Marcos is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is 15 miles east of the ocean; just 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.