After a year and a half as Iowa State’s interim director of affirmative action, a part of Carla Espinoza’s title has been dropped.

Espinoza has been appointed the new director of affirmative action, while also serving as ISU’s assistant vice president for human resources.

ISU President Martin Jischke said Espinoza was a perfect choice for director.

“Carla Espinoza’s commitment to affirmative action and a strong record in handling workplace issues make her an excellent choice for Iowa State’s affirmative action officer,” Jischke said in a press release.

Espinoza said because she has been performing duties as director of affirmative action for more than a year, her job description will not be altered.

She said as director she handles complaints such as unfair treatment in the workplace and discrimination. She also helps department diversity planning, and she intervenes in disputes.

Espinoza said recruiting an employee from outside the university to fulfill the position would have been difficult.

“It wouldn’t be a secure move [for the nominee], due to the volatility of affirmative action [positions],” she said.

As assistant vice president for human resources, Espinoza is responsible for the Iowa Board of Regents’ merit system, labor relations, employee benefits, child care, Professional & Scientific classification, training and development, retirement advising and employee assistance programs.

Before arriving at ISU, Espinoza worked with Factfinders, a personnel consulting firm in Albuquerque, N.M., as a partner and principal investigator.

She also has been director of the department of human resources at the University of New Mexico and assistant vice chancellor of affirmative action and equal opportunity at the University of California at Irvine.

Espinoza earned a bachelor’s degree in English from California State University at Northridge and a master’s degree in public administration from California State University at Los Angeles.