UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 38, Page 1
August 5, 1993
Ronald F. Whittington named affirmative action director

     Ronald F. Whittington, assistant to the president of the University of
Delaware, was named affirmative action director, effective Aug. 1, Maxine
R. Colm, vice president for employee relations, announced today.
     "Ron has a special blend of administrative and interpersonal skills
and experience that make him exceptionally well-suited for this position,
carrying as it does responsibility for matters related to affirmative
action, equal opportunity and non-discrimination," Colm said.
     "Through the assistant vice president for affirmative action and
multicultural programs, Ron will continue the University's integrated
approach to diversity issues-one that embraces the needs of faculty, staff
and students," she said.
     The affirmative action director assists departments in the recruitment
of new employees, monitors search processes to ensure equal opportunity in
employment, participates in campus-wide diversity educational programs,
maintains the University's affirmative action plan and is responsible for
the day-to-day administration of the Campus Diversity Office.
     The diversity unit was formed last year to unify programming referral
and support services for special groups on campus. The unit includes the
offices of affirmative action, multicultural programs and women's affairs.
It works cooperatively to address issues of race, religion, gender,
ethnicity, sexual orientation and physical abilities.
     "This position is an extremely important one, given the University's
commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, and I am very pleased that
Ron Whittington will be helping to enhance a campus climate accommodating
to all members of our community," President David P. Roselle said.
     A 1971 graduate of the University of Delaware, Whittington holds a
master's degree in business from Central Michigan University. He joined the
Delaware staff in 1979, serving over the years as assistant director of
admissions; adjunct professor and later assistant to the dean and director
of the Cooperative Education Program in the College of Business and
Economics; acting affirmative action officer; and assistant to the
president.
     He also was athletic director in the Newark School District;
administrative assistant and assistant to the manager of employee relations
at the Good Hope School and Martin Marrietta Aluminum Corp. in St. Croix,
U.S. Virgin Islands; athletic director and physical education instructor at
St. Croix Country Day School; and physical education instructor and
football coach at Newark High School and Maclary Elementary School.
     Whittington is a member of the National Association of Admissions
Officers and Counselors, the Cooperative Education Association, Alpha Phi
Alpha fraternity and the National Association for Personnel Administration.