Jaime Hollis Named Director of Gustavus Diversity Center

Jaime Hollis has been named the director of the Diversity Center at Gustavus Adolphus College and will begin in her new role on Monday, Feb. 1. Hollis comes to Gustavus from Gonzaga University, where she most recently served as the director of LGBT, transfer, veteran, and returning adult services.

“Jaime brings with her a strong background in diversity, equity, and inclusion work,” said JoNes VanHecke, vice president for student life. “We are fortunate to have attracted such an experienced, talented, and caring professional to work with our students and the broader Gustavus community.”

Hollis will direct the Diversity Center, which provides leadership for positive and equitable change and works to create a welcoming and supportive environment for historically underserved students at Gustavus. She will join Kenneth Reid, who was named the assistant director of the Diversity Center in September of 2015.

Hollis held a series of positions during her four-year tenure at Gonzaga, beginning as a program coordinator and rising to become the first director of the LGBT Resource Center, transfer, veteran, and returning adult services. She also served as an adjunct professor in Gonzaga’s communication studies department from 2012 to 2015. Educated at Eastern Washington University, Hollis holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies and interdisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in communications with an emphasis on cultural, instructional, and organizational communication. She has researched and presented on intercultural competence, building inclusive classrooms, LGBTQ issues, and intersectionality.

“We are excited to welcome Jaime to the Gustavus community and look forward to her thoughtful and collaborative leadership of the Diversity Center,” VanHecke said.

The Gustavus Diversity Center’s mission is to provide leadership and support to persons historically under-served in American colleges and universities. The center partners with faculty, staff, and students to design activities that infuse into college life an acceptance and appreciation for difference that is morally and socially just.