Journey

A Foundation for Inclusion & Belonging

The University of Richmond’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access has evolved through years of dedicated work from faculty, staff, students, and university leadership. This ongoing effort, shaped by research, advocacy, and strategic planning, laid the foundation for the establishment of the Division for Inclusion & Belonging and the appointment of the university’s first Vice President for Inclusion & Belonging in 2024.

Laying the Groundwork for Inclusive Excellence

Prior to President Kevin F. Hallock’s leadership, the university made significant strides toward fostering an inclusive community. Under former President Ronald A. Crutcher, the University prioritized Thriving and Inclusive University Community as one of five key pillars in its strategic plan. In 2019, President Crutcher commissioned three university-wide committees to assess and advance inclusion efforts across campus:

• The Presidential Commission for University History and Identity (Commission) – Examined the university’s history and its impact on present-day identity and inclusion.
• The Interim Coordinating Council for Thriving, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ICC) – Worked to coordinate existing efforts and provide a campus-wide framework for inclusion.
• The President’s Advisory Committee for Making Excellence Inclusive (PAC) – Developed strategies for embedding inclusive excellence into university policies and practices.

These committees conducted extensive historical research, institutional assessments, and campus-wide engagement, culminating in the Making Excellence Inclusive Report (2019). Their recommendations provided a blueprint for advancing equity at the University of Richmond and informed subsequent institutional changes.