Gallaudet University names Angela McCaskill to head Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Washington, D.C. [January 21, 2011] Gallaudet University President Alan Hurwitz announced the selection of Angela P. McCaskill as deputy to the president and associate provost for diversity and inclusion effective January 3, 2011.

In her new position, McCaskill is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring policies and practices aimed at guiding the university closer to its vision of becoming a truly inclusive living, learning, and working environment. McCaskill and her team will use a variety of strategies to aid faculty, students, and staff to embrace and celebrate their diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

“Dr. McCaskill is uniquely qualified to assume this position, based on her education, knowledge and experience,” Hurwitz said. “I have every confidence that she is the right person to help Gallaudet achieve its goal of creating a campus climate that is accepting and respectful of every member of our community.”

McCaskill’s career encompasses an impressive range of leadership, teaching and administrative experiences related to issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice. Most recently, she served as the research administrator and director of the diversity initiative for the university’s Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning [VL2].

Prior to her work at VL2, McCaskill was an educational program specialist for the U.S. Department of Education where she oversaw states’ implementation of the Individual with Disability Act [IDEA], No Child Left Behind Act [NCLB], and the Education of the Deaf Act [EDA]. In addition, she has taught on both the high school and university levels and in recent years has served on several key university committees, including the Long Range Planning and Minority Academic Achievement Research Steering committees.

“I am honored to have been selected for this important position,” McCaskill said. “I’m eager to work with university faculty, students, staff and administrators in creating a campus community where all are welcome and valued.”

McCaskill received her bachelor of science degree in social work from Alabama State University, her master of social work degree from Howard University, and her Doctor of Philosophy Degree in special education administration from Gallaudet.

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language and English. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world.

Contact: Mercy Coogan mercy.coogan@gallaudet.edu