For the first time in The University of Texas at Austin’s history, three  African Americans lead administrative portfolios. Joining Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement Dr. Gregory Vincent, who came to UT Austin in 2005, are Darrell Bazzell, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Dr. Soncia Reagins-Lilly, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (Reagins-Lilly has served as Dean of Students since 2006).

Also for the first time in UT Austin history, a woman, Dr. Maurie McInnis, leads the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost on a permanent basis. Together, McInnis, Bazzell and Reagins-Lilly represent a new era in the makeup of university leadership.

“Not only are these three leaders exceptionally suited for their positions, but they also illustrate the university’s commitment to diversity in all its forms,” Vincent says. “As our president has said, diversity and excellence are mutually reinforcing and these appointments serve to further prove that point.”

As these recent hires indicate, meeting the goal set by President Gregory L. Fenves to diversify university leadership is already well underway, reflecting the university’s longstanding commitment  to diversity and inclusion.

Photography by Marsha Miller