SMITHFIELD, RI - On behalf of the Bryant University Board of Trustees, we are pleased to announce that Bryant’s Board has established a new Trustee Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This Trustee Committee will be chaired by Trustee and National Alumni Council President Rita Williams-Bogar ’76 and is strongly supported by in-coming Board Chair David M. Beirne ‘85.

Signaling its commitment to continue building on the strength of the Bryant community in our Vision 2030 strategic plans, the Committee will assess and provide recommendations regarding programs, policies, and initiatives designed to foster and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion on campus, on the Bryant Board, and within the larger Bryant community network.

"Bryant University’s Board of Trustees is deeply committed to ensuring that Bryant University is a place where all individuals are deeply valued, respected and supported."

Incoming Chair David M. Beirne ‘85, noted, "Bryant University’s Board of Trustees is deeply committed to ensuring that Bryant University is a place where all individuals are deeply valued, respected and supported. With this new Board of Trustee Committee in place and under the leadership of one of Bryant’s most highly accomplished alumnae and the Board Chair, we are well positioned for Bryant to take a leadership role and serve as a model for other institutions, particularly as an institution focused on education that integrates business with the arts and sciences."

"In establishing the new standing Committee, the Board has recognized diversity and inclusion as a crucial area of focus that is essential for success."

Committee Chair Rita Williams-Bogar added, “I am pleased to lead this important Trustee Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In establishing the new standing Committee, the Board has recognized diversity and inclusion as a crucial area of focus that is essential for success. The Bryant University Trustee Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will ensure that these issues are engaged at the highest level of the organization.”

The new Board of Trustee Committee will consider policies, including those representing all aspects of diversity through the recruiting, enrolling, retaining and graduating of students and the recruiting, retaining, and ongoing training of employees. The Committee aims to enhance diversity and support equity and inclusion across race, ethnicity gender identity, and sexual orientation, and for different viewpoints and perspectives at all levels.

Bill Conaty ‘67, current Board Chair, said, “I appreciate David’s leadership and vision here and we are extremely fortunate to have the leadership of Chair Rita Williams-Bogar in this important work.”

Williams-Bogar, who was president of the black student organization and one of the student protesters back in the 1970s, has a longstanding history of dedicated service to Bryant. She is President & CEO of Personal Development Solutions, LLC., and is a dynamic speaker and expert facilitator. She provides consultative services to businesses and individuals in the areas of leadership development, emotional intelligence, ethics, diversity, and insurance education. Williams-Bogar has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of New Jersey’s 2011 Best 50 Women in Business and by the U.S. SBA as the 2011 Region II Minority Small Business Champion of the Year. She is a contributing author to the 2012 book “Big Bold Business Advice.” The Alumni Association awarded Williams-Bogar its Gulski Service Award in 2015. She has also been a frequent contributor to the Alumni webinar series on topics related to communications, business ethics, and leading high performing teams.

We look forward to your engagement with us in this important and exciting work.

Sincerely,

Board of Trustees In-Coming Chair David Beirne

President Ross Gittell