Feb. 11, 2021
Feb. 11, 2021
I am writing you to share the news that Dr. Christopher Whitt, who has provided Creighton with innovative leadership and unifying strategic engagement on issues of diversity, inclusivity, and so much more, has accepted the position of Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with the University of Denver. He will be leaving Creighton in mid-March.
I am incredibly thrilled for Dr. Whitt and can say with certainty that he leaves Creighton a better place than when he arrived three years ago. Among his many contributions, he has guided the University’s ever-deepening commitment to grow in developing into an anti-racist institution, and established and effectively managed the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. In alignment with our Catholic, Jesuit mission, he has kept justice at the heart of this work to help the University strive toward being a place where individuals can thrive in their full humanity.
Dr. Whitt was instrumental in the creation of the President’s Inclusive Excellence Council and the Omaha Community Council for Racial Justice. He stepped up to assist AJCU collaborations with mission and diversity officers; with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ Consortium of Chief Diversity Officers in Catholic Higher Education; and with the Archdiocese of Omaha’s “Black Catholic Implementation Team.” In addition to all of this work, Dr. Whitt played a significant role in my extensive outreach with the Omaha community, particularly our North Omaha neighbors. We hosted numerous listening sessions and formed relationships that have continued to flourish. Dr. Whitt’s leadership, generosity, and positivity have been a blessing for our University.
That foundation and the progress we have made on diversity, equity, and inclusion remain an absolute priority for us. To be sure, our Catholic and Ignatian heritage compels us to continue moving forward. Given that focus, we will begin the process immediately to find a suitable replacement for Dr. Whitt. Expect more details about the search committee soon.
Please join me in wishing Dr. Whitt and his family the best as he moves on to an exciting new opportunity in Denver.
Thank you.
Rev. Daniel S. Hendrickson, SJ, PhD
