New director hired for Georgia Southern’s Office of Multicultural Affairs
Georgia Southern University has hired a new director to lead its Office of Multicultural Affairs, whose mission is to contribute to an inclusive learning environment by supporting the institution's efforts to retain and graduate students prepared for a diverse global society.
Kevin Reese, who is pursuing his doctoral degree in higher education administration from the University of Southern Mississippi, comes to Georgia Southern after serving as the director of residence life at Centre College in Kentucky, and program coordinator in the Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
“I am excited that Kevin has joined the Office of Multicultural Affairs as our new director and I know our students and staff will benefit from his leadership,” said Dominique Quarles, Ph.D., associate vice president for inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer at Georgia Southern. “Kevin has worked in residence life, academic success and intercultural services, and admissions. This range of experience will be useful as he builds upon the multifaceted work of the office.”
Reese earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Kentucky State University in 2007 and a Master’s in Higher Education Administration in 2013 from North Park University in Chicago.
Because of his work in diversity and inclusion, Reese was awarded the 2019 Inspiring Excellence through Inclusion Award at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. He also has been named to the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association Inaugural 40 Under 40 Society, which recognizes and celebrates the personal, civic, and professional achievements of alumni under 40.
He is the founder of The Vision of Excellence Scholarship Program created to financially assist Black males attending college for the first time. He also is the founder of Soul II Sole Line
Dancers and The Wednesday Experience Podcast. He has earned a reputation for being an engaging, enthusiastic and passionate public speaker, workshop facilitator and higher education change agent advocating for the marginalized and underrepresented on campus.
“I am elated to be at Georgia Southern University and the Multicultural Affairs Office as we continue elevating the voices and experiences of students from historically underserved communities,” Reese said. “I look forward to broadening the world view of students, providing experiences that will challenge their thought process, and to provide programming that will aid in their development as student leaders.”