WORCESTER – The College of the Holy Cross’ outlook on health and well-being is reflected in the Ignatian principle of “cura personalis.” The Latin translation is to “care for the entire person.”

This is the exact approach Dr. Tomicka Wagstaff will take as the newly hired vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion for the Jesuit liberal arts school.

Wagstaff, who currently serves as assistant vice president for student access and success at Rochester Institute of Technology, will join the college this month. As vice provost she will provide leadership and strategic direction for the school’s efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Wagstaff said she “will aim to create a culture of care and belonging at the College.” Her goal is “to foster deep relationships with faculty, staff, students and alumni in order to build understanding and provide support and resources on matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion.” She described her style as that of “an engaged thought partner, advocate and transformational leader.”

Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau announced Wagstaff’s hiring earlier last month. He said Wagstaff is an experienced leader in the field and she is a welcomed addition to the school as its new vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tomicka Wagstaff to Holy Cross as our new vice provost,” he said. “Dr. Wagstaff distinguished herself from other finalists through her creative and calculable DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] work, and nationally respected experience in promoting anti-racism and inclusion on a college campus. I know Tomicka will be a fearless advocate, and will provide the leadership necessary to embolden our community to continue to make real, meaningful and lasting change.”

During her tenure at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Wagstaff created and implemented diversity, equity and inclusion curriculum, and oversaw data-driven programs and initiatives focused on elimination of student achievement gaps, which led to a fifteen percent jump in graduation rates among underrepresented students.

As Holy Cross’ new vice provost, her main responsibilities will be to report directly to Margaret Freije, the provost and dean of Holy Cross. Wagstaff will be responsible for developing and implementing Holy Cross’ strategic goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion while ensuring a high level of innovation, transparency and accountability.

“It is truly an honor and a blessing to be joining the Holy Cross family as the vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion,” Wagstaff said. “There has already been a lot of intentional and meaningful work done in the area of DEI. I look forward to being a thought partner with campus stakeholders as I aim to create a culture of care and belonging for all community members.”

Specifically, Wagstaff said she will work collaboratively with key campus constituents to enhance educational programs and develop initiatives that enhance the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students from underrepresented backgrounds. She will also lead the DEI Implementation Team, work to enact the goals established by that team, and ensure that progress is communicated to campus and efforts are assessed thoroughly. 

Wagstaff has an undergraduate degree in sociology and her graduate degree in student personnel administration from Buffalo State College and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Rochester.

According to Nicoleta Jordan, the school’s assistant director for media relations, Holy Cross has focused heavily on diversity and inclusion initiatives throughout the years. The college recently implemented an anti-racism action plan and established a permanent Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on its Board of Trustees. Over the past five years, thirty-six percent of Holy Cross tenure-track faculty hires self-identify as African American or Black; Hispanic or Latinx; Asian, Asian American or Pacific Islander; or multi-racial.