Harvey's appointment, much anticipated in the university community, sends a signal just how serious the university's and the Board of Visitors' commitment is to diversity, Casteen said.
In fact, it was the depth of that commitment that attracted Bill Harvey to U.Va. "Few institutions have looked so comprehensively at the issue," Harvey said. "The range of engagement that is expected of this position, and the fact that it has direct responsibility to the president, were central to my decision. It was clear that the University of Virginia was interested in transformation at all levels of the institution."
Harvey said he has no illusions that he will be doing this work by himself, noting that it will take effort from everyone. "But I plan to communicate regularly and often. My message will be that diversity is important to maintaining the University's high level of recognition, reputation and ranking — that a diverse environment is absolutely critical to the educational experience — and that diversity is a part of excellence — not apart from excellence."
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