On Oct. 29, President Rev. Brian Linnane introduced Cheryl Moore-Thomas ‘89 as the first chief equity and inclusion officer. In a mass email to the Loyola community, Linnane confirmed Moore-Thomas as the newest member of his Cabinet starting Jan. 1, 2020. 

Moore-Thomas graduated from Loyola in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling in 1989 from Loyola as well. She received her Ph.D., in Counselor Education with a specialization in school and multicultural counseling from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2000. Moore-Thomas returned to Loyola in 2001 as an assistant professor of education. Aside from teaching, her leadership positions include serving as associate dean in the School of Education, chair of Education Specialties, and associate vice president for graduate academic affairs, faculty affairs, and diversity. 

Linnane expressed the importance of this position to the administration, as it has been the goal of its strategic plan, The Ignatian Compass. “The attendance and participation of our community in giving input into the selection process demonstrated our community’s enthusiasm for creating this position and finding the right individual to serve in this role,” said Linnane. 

For Linnane, and Vice President Rob Kelly, who led the search process for the position, Moore-Thomas was the clear choice.

“Dr. Moore-Thomas brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities before us, a passion for Loyola, and a clear and compelling vision for how we can move forward,” said Linnane. 

Check back with The Greyhound as information regarding leadership opportunities in both equity and inclusion and graduate education in the office of academic affairs are forthcoming.