CFAES Leadership Update

Kathy Lechman is being promoted to Assistant Dean for Equity and Inclusion effective Sept. 1.

Kathy Lechman

Coming from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Kathy started her career with Ohio State University Extension in 2001. As leader, Diversity Development for OSU Extension, she developed and implemented Civil Rights Compliance Processes and provided professional development for faculty and staff.

In 2015, she was named director, Equity and Inclusion for the college where serves in a college-wide leadership role focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion and coordinates initiatives and programs that address diversity, equity, and inclusion in the college. This includes enhancing work climate, recruitment, and retention of faculty, staff, and students. She also has built partnerships with multiple units across the university focused on establishing best practices related to recruitment and retention.

Since taking on the role, Kathy has been asked to take on two temporary assignments. The first was the interim associate director of the Center for Higher Education Enterprise where she lead a review of research projects connected to the Center and addressed staff transitions.

Most recently, she was asked to serve as interim executive director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity where she is responsible for ensuring that research projects and grants and contracts continue as well as overseeing the work of 20 staff members. While in this role, she built a $1.3 million budget, audited all staff positions, and is addressing staff morale.

Kathy is a proud graduate of the Cleveland Public Schools. She has a bachelor’s from the College of Wooster, a master’s in Conflict Resolution from the McGregor School of Antioch University, and a PhD from the Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology Workforce Development program.

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