As vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, Brown is responsible for executive leadership and management of the university’s diversity and inclusion programs. Those programs include the Office of Diversity, Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, Student Multi-Cultural Center, Women’s Resource Center and pre-college programs.

Brown comes to Kent State from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, N.Y. She has been at RIT since 1987, holding various positions. For the past three years, Brown has served as interim chief diversity officer. She currently serves as assistant dean of the College of Applied Arts and Science. From 1994 to 2007, she served as a senior staff member to the institution’s president, chairing the Commission for Promoting Pluralism that implemented and coordinated efforts that led toward a multicultural campus.

Her experience ranges from grassroots mentoring of individuals and underrepresented groups to teaching classes abroad, leading universitywide diversity initiatives and serving as a senior staff member in the president’s cabinet. During her time at RIT, she has organized and implemented successful diversity councils, strategic planning groups, professional development groups and community planning groups. She is a strong advocate for strategic planning and outcomes-based assessments to facilitate fact-based decision-making and the constant improvement of diversity initiatives.

Brown is a member of several organizations, including the Rochester Women’s Network, National Association for Diversity Officers in Higher Education, Black Women’s Leadership Forum Steering Committee, and American Association for Affirmative Action. She also is involved with the Rochester Hearing & Speech Center, National Kidney Foundation and Rotary Club of Rochester.

Brown holds a bachelor’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College, a master’s from RIT and a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University.