New NWTC position to elevate access and success for people of color

Taking a critical step toward achieving its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has created a new position on its Executive Leadership Team: chief officer for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“The chief officer for diversity, equity, and inclusion will help us initiate, sustain, and evaluate efforts to close achievement gaps, bring more students of color into high-wage careers, and recruit more diverse talent to our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Jeff Rafn, College president. “With this new position on the Executive Leadership Team, we will elevate our focus on ensuring access, effective teaching and learning, and success for all people of color.” 

“Our lives are more interesting, purposeful and joyful as we welcome diverse people into the NWTC community,” Rafn added. “It is the responsibility—and the privilege—of every member of the NWTC community to help others soar higher.”

Effective June 29, Mohammed Bey assumed the role of chief officer for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bey had been working in the College’s Human Resources Department as director of Diversity and Inclusion since 2014. 

“Through a collaborative effort, Mohammed has proven his drive for equity and inclusion by building programs and impactful activities focused on the College’s climate, diversity education, workforce, and student success,” Rafn said. “He was selected for the role in part because of his skill in turning the College’s mission and values into action plans; leading and assisting in establishing a culture of equity.”

Before joining NWTC, Bey had eight years of leadership experience in higher education, most recently as director for Multicultural Education at Quinnipiac University. Bey has a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s in organizational leadership from Marian University, Fond du Lac. He is working toward pursuing a doctoral degree.  

The creation of the chief officer for diversity, equity, and inclusion position follows Rafn’s Call to Action last month in which he shared the College’s commitment to remove racism from societal culture.