Dear UT Dallas community,

It is my pleasure to announce that Dr. Yvette E. Pearson has been named the new vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She will assume her new role Aug. 23.

Dr. Pearson rose to the top from a very strong pool of finalists. I want to express my appreciation to the search committee, led by Dean Stephanie Adams, for the work they did in helping to find such a worthy successor to Dr. George Fair.

Dr. Pearson currently serves as associate dean for accreditation, assessment and strategic initiatives in the George R. Brown School of Engineering at Rice University. Her 25 years of experience in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as her work as an engineering educator and administrator, have prepared her to help move UT Dallas forward under her leadership.

I remain deeply grateful to Dr. Fair for his outstanding work as the vice president for diversity and community engagement. Among his many lasting contributions to UT Dallas is the great team that he assembled. Together, they created truly impactful, nationally recognized programs.

UT Dallas is committed to the new initiatives and goals in our strategic plan that will foster diversity, equity and inclusion. Let’s continue to work together, so that with the help of Dr. Pearson and her team, we will excel in this important endeavor.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Benson's signature

Dr. Richard C. Benson
President
Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership