University of Lynchburg named a new diversity and inclusion officer, Dr. Robert L. Canida.
Dr. Robert L. CanidaCanida is the former director of diversity and inclusion at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. He worked for the University of North Carolina system for about two decades, most recently teaching library research and information literacy courses.
Canida replaced Dr. Aaron Smith, the school’s first diversity and inclusion officer, who now serves as vice president and dean for student development.
“I know that he’s going to be an asset to our campus community, and I’m looking forward to watching our community grow as a result of his presence,” Smith said of Canida in a statement.
Canida has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Xavier University, a master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky and a Ph.D. in interdisciplinary leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University.
The new diversity and inclusion officer is already making plans for the future, including a dialogue facilitation lab on campus.
“My vision will be of a holistic nature,” Canida said. “My goal is for the University of Lynchburg to truly embrace diversity at its very core.”
