University of Richmond School of Arts & Sciences Hires First Assistant Dean for Diversity, Thriving, and Inclusion

Carthene Bazemore-Walker, an accomplished administrator and analytical chemist, joins the University of Richmond as the School of Arts & Sciences’s first assistant dean for diversity, inclusivity, and thriving, effective Sept. 17.

“The position of Assistant Dean adds to our capacity for the marshaling, training, and assessment of equity and inclusion efforts across the School of Arts & Sciences,” said Patrice Rankine, dean of the school. “Adding Dr. Bazemore-Walker in this leadership role supports not only our own strategic goals, but also those of the university as a whole.”

As an analytical chemist, Bazemore-Walker’s research is focused on the large-scale study of proteins. She served as a member of the faculty and ran research labs at the University of Virginia and Brown University.

Her most recent administrative role was chief research officer at Winston-Salem State University, where she helped transform the university research awards program into an outcomes-based, assessment-oriented competition with a focus on arts, humanities, and the sciences. She also created new grant programs to support innovation, inclusive pedagogy, and collaborative faculty research.

Building on initiatives like the award-winning Integrated Inclusive Science program, Bazemore-Walker’s work will continue to leverage A&S’s achievements toward equity and inclusion goals across the liberal arts.

“Dr. Bazemore-Walker’s broad experience at various types of institutions, both as a faculty member and in leadership roles, deepens her understanding of and commitment to diversity and inclusion. We have diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives across our community of faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Bazemore-Walker is a collaborative leader who is equal to the challenge,” Rankine added.

“I am thrilled to be joining this great intellectual community. I look forward to working with my A&S colleagues and the entire university community in building signature alliances to advance diversity and support an inclusive environment where all members thrive,” said Bazemore-Walker. 

Bazemore-Walker earned her bachelor’s degree from Norfolk State University and completed her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT.

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