CLAS names inaugural associate dean for inclusive excellence

December 7, 2021 (Volume 45, Number 7)
Article by Peg West

Current professor of philosophy, Dwayne Tunstall will move into the new role in the CLAS Dean's Office in June 2022.

Photo Credit: University Communications

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has named a longtime philosophy faculty member as the inaugural associate dean for inclusive excellence.

Dwayne Tunstall, currently professor of philosophy, will assume the administrative role in June 2022, CLAS announced.

CLAS Dean Jennifer Drake said she is pleased that Tunstall has agreed to serve in this new position, in which he will lead CLAS initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.

"Dr. Tunstall brings relevant teaching and scholarly expertise to the role, as well as experience with inclusive student success initiatives such as the Academic Recovery Camp, the McNair Scholars Program and the Oliver Wilson Scholars Program," Drake said. "I look forward to collaborating with him to realize the goal of strengthening our living, learning and working environment by recognizing and removing the barriers to full participation and providing a safe, inclusive and vibrant community for all."

Tunstall said he is honored to take on this role for the college and he looks forward to working more broadly with the university community.

"I am excited to work in collaboration with Dean Drake, the dean’s team, and others in CLAS to foster a more welcoming, inclusive, equitable and accessible learning and working environment," Tunstall said.

Tunstall started working at Grand Valley in 2007. His areas of scholarly specialization include African American philosophy, classical American philosophy and existentialism.

He received his bachelor's degree in philosophy from Christopher Newport University. He earned his master's and doctorate degrees in philosophy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.