Christian Matheis has been appointed director of the Graduate School Office of Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives.

Matheis, a visiting assistant professor in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies’ School of Public and International Affairs, will oversee Graduate School recruitment efforts in coordination with the university’s graduate programs. He also will manage inclusion and diversity initiatives and programs, such as Diversity Scholars, underrepresented students’ events, and the university’s Bouchet Graduate Honor Society chapter.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Matheis join the Graduate School,” said Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw. “He will help us continue our strong efforts to build an inclusive, welcoming graduate community.”

Matheis said he wants to build on the strong reputation of the Graduate School.  “I look forward to focusing our recruiting and diversity efforts on fostering a supportive climate in which underrepresented and underserved graduate students can thrive, and on equity initiatives that remove institutional barriers to success,” he said. “Our high standards for excellence in graduate education depend in part on continuing to make diversity, inclusion, and equity a high priority.”

Matheis, who earned his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech, specializes in scholarship and practice that bridge social and political philosophy, public policy, and direct-action organizing. His work emphasizes how philosophy of liberation and liberatory movements can play a key role in addressing contemporary ethical and political problems. His teaching and research concentrations include such topics as solidarity, refugees, feminism, race, indigeneity, power and policy, and global justice.

In addition to his regular teaching and research, Matheis also provides training in areas of human relations facilitation, intergroup dialogue, grassroots direct-action organizing, and on other topics.

He earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University.

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