Winona State University is pleased to announce Mohamed Ahmed, Ph.D., as the new Associate Vice President for Equity & Inclusive Excellence and Chief Diversity Officer, effective July 8, 2024.
Ahmed will lead efforts to enhance inclusivity and evaluate progress in closing the equity gaps by collaborating with partners and stakeholders both on campus and across the state.
“Dr. Ahmed’s extensive experience in academia, government, and international relations will position him for success in this role,” said Dr. Denise McDowell, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Life. “We are very confident in his ability to advance the university’s Equity 2030 initiatives, support student success, and lead institutional conversations around campus culture.”
Ahmed’s previous positions include Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Alliant International University, and Associate Chief Diversity Officer at San Diego State University. He also served as the Senior Community Engagement Coordinator for the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships. Ahmed also has advised the U.S. State Department on strategic topics such as human rights, religious freedom, education, public diplomacy, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Leadership from Old Dominion University, a bachelor’s degree in International Security and Conflict Resolution, and a master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. His work has earned him multiple honors, including the National Diversity Council DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Champion, the City of San Diego Social Justice Award, and the Algerian Ministry of Religious Affairs — Diplomatic Leadership Award.
I am thrilled to join the Winona State University community and look forward to collaborating with students, staff, faculty, and the administration in elevating inclusive excellence. My goal is to build on the remarkable progress that has already been made in student success, diversity, and inclusion, and to further advance these initiatives to new heights. Together, we will create an environment where everyone thrives and feels valued.
For more information, contact Winona State Communications at 507-457-5024.
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers more than 200 majors and programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
More than half of WSU’s 6,000-plus students are Minnesota residents, and the university also hosts international students from 42 countries. Winona State University’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world.
For more information, visit winona.edu.
