by Dan Perkins

Source: UMKC Release dated October 18, 2006

On Wednesday, October 18, 2006, Guy H. Bailey, Ph.D., Chancellor of the University of Missouri, Kansas City, announced the appointment of Karen Dace, Ph.D., as Deputy Chancellor for Diversity, Access and Equity at UMKC.  Dace, who is currently Associate Vice President for Diversity at the University of Utah, will her new duties at UMKC on February 1, 2007.

Dace brings with her a strong record as a diversity leader.

At the University of Utah, Dace led diversity efforts in areas of academic programs, student support and research. She collaborated with deans and faculty to develop a successful, ongoing faculty recruitment and retention plan that has significantly increased the number of African-American and Latino faculty.

Dace is also credited with providing leadership in the development of the Utah Opportunity Scholarship, now in its sixth year. These scholarships, which are offered to 20 minority students each year, cover the costs for resident tuition at the University of Utah, plus books and fees up to $5,000 annually for four years of attendance. Recipients participate in faculty mentoring activities, as well as academic and social support programs. To remain in the program, Utah Opportunity Scholars must maintain academic achievement and progress towards a bachelor’s degree.

While at the University of Utah, Dace also served in the Department of Communication and Ethnic Studies Program.  

At UMKC, Dace will have a joint appointment as associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication Studies.

The End