Wayne Au, an associate professor in the Education Program, has been appointed to chair the University of Washington Bothell Diversity Council by Chancellor Wolf Yeigh. The Diversity Council was established in 2009 as a major priority of the 21st Century Campus Initiative strategic plan to enhance campus commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

As he assumes leadership of the Diversity Council, Au will also chair the search committee for a newly created position at UW Bothell, the Director of Diversity and Campus Engagement. That search will begin in 2014.

“Wayne’s expertise and passion for social justice and equity will serve the Diversity Council well as it conducts its important work,” said Yeigh. “This reaffirms the university’s commitment to a diverse, safe environment in which to learn, teach and work.”

Au is a nationally recognized scholar on issues of social justice in education. His academic interests broadly encompass critical education theory and teaching for social justice. More specifically his research focuses on educational equity, high-stakes testing, curriculum theory, educational policy studies and social studies education.

A broad representation of the entire campus—faculty of all programs and ranks, staff, administration, and students—make up the Diversity Council. All members volunteer their time and assist on one of several committees: website and technology, faculty, staff, curriculum, speaker series, and student activities.

UW Bothell is among the most diverse public four-year universities in the nation. About 42 percent of its student body is comprised of persons of color.

Since its inception in 2009, the Diversity Council has created a minor in diversity studies, conducted a campus climate survey, sponsored numerous speakers and conferences and has acted in an advisory role to the Chancellor.