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The Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to announce that ahmed khanani (they/he) will be joining the �պ����� community as the director of the Mosaic Center for Students of Color (MCSC) starting mid-December. Khanani has spent their career seeking to “create spaces for persons who didn’t believe they belonged” they said, “and I’ve worked diligently alongside them towards our collective thriving. I’m thrilled to be part of a space that fosters the values of joy and beauty, accepting ourselves and inviting others to appreciate our excellence.”

khanani holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and has worked as an assistant professor at Indiana University and Earlham College. They most recently served as Director of the Center for Social Justice, Clerk of the Faculty, and Plowshares Associate Professor of Politics. “At Earlham, ahmed brought a data sensitive approach that remained focus on the persons in question; they hope to bring this orientation to �պ�����,” shared Amer F. Ahmed, Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “More broadly, ahmed is thrilled to work with students, staff, and faculty to help ensure that vulnerable �պ����� students can find success on their terms.”

While khanani has demonstrated success through metrics, they say the thing they are most excited about in this role is relationship building. “My experiences suggest that impactful, justice-oriented change requires broad purchase. To that end, whether in classrooms, co-curricular spaces, with direct reports, or collaborations across campus, my work is fundamentally about forging real, meaningful relationships.” They have found these relationships will yield more meaningful experiences for all on campus, and that carried into collaborative programming—something MCSC routinely partakes in, cohosting events with partners across �պ�����, including the three other identity centers housed within the Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

“I am so pleased to have ahmed come into this role at �պ�����,” Vice Provost Amer F. Ahmed said. “ahmed will be a great leader to the uniquely talented team at MCSC to propel students of color and other identity groups forward in the months and years ahead.”