UF’s Multicultural and Diversity Affairs hired a new director of Black Affairs this week.
Carl Simien will take the place of Vee Byrd, the former director, and will start working at UF on July 24.
After Byrd resigned in February, MCDA searched for someone to fill the director position, according to Alligator archives.
Bryd’s resignation was part of a spree of resignations that took place in MCDA in February.
Will Atkins, the executive director of MCDA, said although he was interim director during the time of these resignations, as executive director, he is really working toward bringing the whole department together and taking a new direction.
“I am focused on new energy for MCDA,” Atkins said. “We’re definitely doing a lot more and making sure (the new directors) have the resources and tools they need to succeed once they get here.”
He said applications for the position opened in mid-spring, and the final candidates were chosen by a search committee comprised of students, ambassadors, faculty and staff.
Atkins said in an on-campus interview, Simien beat out two other candidates because of his professionalism and positivity. Atkins said this, along with Simien’s experience, made him a great fit for Black Affairs.
“We are super excited to have him join the MCDA team,” Atkins said.
Simien will be joining UF from Western Illinois University. He could not be immediately reached for comment.
Contact Catie Wegman at cwegman@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter: @catie_wegman.
Carl Simien
