Olivas hired as associate dean
New position will lead Office of Inclusion and Belonging
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has hired Luis Olivas to lead its new Office of Inclusion and Belonging, which has its goal making all students feel welcome on campus.
The new office is in keeping with Pitt-Bradford’s focus since its founding in 1963: Providing an education for students who might otherwise have difficulty obtaining one, whether because of geography, finances, disability or other factors.
As associate dean of inclusion and belonging, Olivas oversees two positions that have been newly reorganized to become part of inclusion and belonging. Dr. Adina Franţescu is the coordinator of international students and global citizenship, helping international students adjust to life at Pitt-Bradford and supporting other students to study abroad and learn more about global engagement. Previously, she taught geology at Pitt-Bradford.
Chad Hockaday is the interim coordinator for equity and accessibility, overseeing disability services such as helping students who need academic accommodations, assistive technology or alternative forms of testing. He also works with students who require a service or emotional support animal on campus.
Olivas works directly with student affinity groups such as the African Student Association, Black Student Union, Diamond Steppers, International Student Association, Latin American & Caribbean American Student Association and Pride Inclusivity Network.
He also oversees the Panther Pantry, a resource for students who are facing food insecurity. Already he has worked with students to make sure they have the food options they need on campus, such as Kosher items or gluten free selections
He organizes events to increase awareness, pride and a sense of belonging. This fall, these events have included a campus oferenda or altar for the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos, the inaugural First-Gen Celebration luncheon to recognize first-generation college students and honoring veterans.
“This is what I love to do,” he said.
Before coming to Pitt-Bradford, Olivas was the director of intercultural engagement and leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
He and his spouse, Ashley, who is the university’s new coordinator of student engagement, have settled in Bradford.
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