BOONE, N.C. — Jamie Parson has been named interim chief diversity officer at Appalachian State University, effective May 10.

Parson is an associate professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at App State, where she teaches undergraduate courses in business law and insurance. In addition, she leads the Walker College of Business’ Inclusive Excellence Team (formerly Diversity Advisory Team), as well as the Risk Management and Insurance diversity initiatives in the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. She also serves on numerous boards and committees, including the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Accountability Team.

Prior to arriving at App State, she served as a Title VII investigator for the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission and a special investigative unit liaison and fire claims representative at State Farm Insurance Co.

Parson will assume her new role prior to the June 1 retirement of Dr. Willie C. Fleming, who was appointed to the university’s first cabinet-level chief diversity officer position at App State by Chancellor Sheri Everts.

“Jamie’s leadership with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at App State is well known, and she is widely respected on our campus and nationally,” Everts said. “Jamie has consistently built diversity, equity and inclusion work into her research, scholarship and service. I appreciate her willingness to take on this cabinet-level position at this time so the important work we have underway continues seamlessly.”

As interim chief diversity officer, Parson will:

• advise the chancellor on strategic diversity matters;
• lead the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Accountability Team, the Chief Diversity Officer’s Advisory Board and the Chancellor’s Student Advisory Board for Diversity Recruitment;
• liaise with students, faculty and staff regarding diversity, equity and inclusion matters;
• lead training efforts; and
• serve as the lead implementer for the university’s strategic diversity plan.

Parson holds a Bachelor of Science in sociology-anthropology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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App State faculty member fosters equitable experiences for underrepresented students

Oct. 20, 2020

App State’s Dr. Jamie Parson is fostering access to careers in insurance for underrepresented students in the Walker College of Business through diversity and inclusion initiatives designed to give students the resources they need to be successful.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.