The final interview process for the new director of UF’s Multicultural and Diversity Affairs began Monday and will continue throughout the week.
The position has been temporarily filled by Interim Executive Director Will Atkins because the former director, Lloren Foster, was removed from his position on Sept. 15, according to Alligator archives.
Students have the opportunity to sit in on the applicants’ presentations and ask questions.
Evelyn Veras, a 20-year-old ambassador for Hispanic-Latino Affairs, said she thinks it’s important for students to have a voice in the application process.
“There should be a person that is speaking out for what students want,” the UF health education and behavior and international studies junior said.
Both Atkins and the interim associate director, Gabe Lara, are running for the executive position. Two other candidates, Kimberly Williams Brown and Kenny Yarbrough are also up for the position.
Presentations will be made in the Reitz Union, Room 2106, beginning at 10 a.m. Lara will give his presentation Wednesday, Williams Brown on Thursday and Yarbrough on March 1, said Lizet Navarrete, MCDA’s administrative support assistant. Atkins gave his presentation Monday.
Moisés Moreno-Rivera, the Hispanic-Latino Affairs graduate assistant, said the committee will make a recommendation, but the hiring manager will choose who gets it.
“If the committee feels that it likes a respective candidate, and if they feel a certain way, there could be a high chance it could be sooner than Spring Break,” he said.
Contact Romy Ellenbogen at rellenbogen@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @romyellenbogen
