Dinu named coordinator of diversity, equity and inclusion strategic initiatives in the Statler College

Cerasela Zoica Dinu, biomedical engineering associate chair and professor of chemical and biomedical engineering. (WVU Photo)

Cerasela Zoica Dinu, biomedical engineering associate chair and professor of chemical and biomedical engineering at West Virginia University, has been named the coordinator of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic initiatives in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, effective Feb. 1, 2021.

Story by Olivia Miller, Communications Specialist Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The new role created by Glen H. Hiner Dean Pedro Mago of the Statler College will assist in ongoing DEI efforts and establish new initiatives to enhance and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture.

“Part of my vision for the Statler College is to increase the diversity of the student body, faculty and staff by promoting and embodying diversity, equity and inclusivity and by championing a supportive and welcoming environment for everybody in the College,” Mago said. “Therefore, it was important to establish a new position that focuses on advancing the College’s ongoing and emerging diversity and inclusion efforts and initiatives.”

In February 2020, Interim Dean Earl Scime, established the first DEI Committee in the Statler College, which includes representatives from every academic and extension units to serve as a resource for faculty, staff and students and help inform about opportunities related to diversity while identifying barriers to inclusivity across campus.

The coordinator of DEI strategic initiatives will play a key role in the preparation, coordination and oversight of the College’s plan to develop new strategic initiatives to include resources and training to support the College’s units in their DEI efforts; participate and represent the College on various related committees and workgroups; as well as identify, assess and develop best practices for recruiting high-quality diverse faculty and staff and first-class undergraduate and graduate students, especially from underrepresented groups.

Over the past year, Dinu has served as the chair of the College’s DEI Committee.

“Cerasela has been doing an excellent job as the chair of the Statler College DEI Committee,” Mago said. “I am confident she will continue to do an excellent job as coordinator of strategic initiatives.” 

Since its inception, the DEI Committee has worked to establish an in-house infrastructure to address specific needs in the College, provide DEI resources and trainings to faculty, staff and students, instituted the first Statler College Excellence in DEI award, and encouraged inclusivity and discussions about diversity within the community.

The DEI committee has worked with Dean Mago to develop additional resources in support of student organizations as well as established funding support and promotional materials for recruiting efforts of under-representative students.

“I am seeing our leadership engagement as a necessary first step to motivate our stakeholders and empower all individuals in our College,” Dinu said. “It is my belief that by recognizing and engaging community in the dialogue that celebrates and promotes DEI, we foster belonging and enhance institutional outcomes. I am committed to developing meaningful professional opportunities to promote diversity across all facets of our College.”

Dinu will continue her role as biomedical engineering associate chair and professor of chemical and biomedical engineering. 

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