Reginald Stewart has been named as Iowa State University’s first vice president of diversity and inclusion.

His appointment must be approved by the Iowa Board of Regents in their meeting on Oct. 22.

If approved, Stewart will begin his role on Dec. 1. 

The position was created by Iowa State President Steven Leath after the release of the diversity audit and asset inventory. The study, conducted by The Jackson Consulting Firm, looked into diversity programs and resources at Iowa State in 2013 and 2014 and offered recommendations for improvements.

One recommendation from the study included the creation of a chief diversity or inclusion officer at the university. The search for the vice presidential position Stewart’s appointment was Leath’s response to this recommendation.

The appointment also comes as diversity awareness continues to be a topic of conversation at Iowa State.

Stewart has most recently served as the chief diversity officer at the University of Nevada, Reno, which he has held since 2011. He has also served as a diversity consultant for the City of Reno and the Reno Police Department.