Appointment of New Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Merrimack College is pleased to announce that Dr. Simona Sharoni has been appointed as the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

This new position was created to coordinate, initiate and create programs, policies and initiatives that enhance the College’s efforts to increase diversity and improve inclusion and equity for all students, faculty and staff.

“I am excited to appoint Dr. Sharoni to this new and very important position at the College and look forward to her leadership in advancing our efforts to promote diversity and inclusion on our campus and beyond,” said Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D., President. “The College is dedicated to supporting a remarkably welcoming, inclusive and equitable community that recognizes everyone and celebrates individuals and their experiences from all walks of life. I am confident that Dr. Sharoni’s experience, coupled with the values she has championed her entire career, will help move the College forward in creating a more welcoming and inclusive learning and working community.”

Dr. Sharoni holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University, and MA and BA degrees in Counseling and Special Education from Haifa University, Israel. Dr. Sharoni joined Merrimack College in 2017 as Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and has served as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Institute for the past two years. Prior to coming to Merrimack, Dr. Sharoni taught at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, Evergreen State College in Olympia Washington and American University in Washington, DC. Additionally, Dr. Sharoni held distinguished scholar appointments at the University of Oregon and the University of Cincinnati.

A first-generation college student, twice an immigrant, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and a veteran, Dr. Sharoni has been actively working to foster social justice, diversity and inclusion for almost four decades.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to use my experience to make diversity, equity and inclusion a cornerstone of Merrimack’s mission and commitment to social justice. I look forward to working closely with President Hopey and his leadership team, and with faculty, staff and students to foster inclusive excellence across campus.”

Dr. Sharoni’s appointment is part of a series of actions the College is taking to make Merrimack the most welcoming, diverse, equitable and inclusive community possible.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Related News

Merrimack News

Merrimack College Ranks in Money’s Best Colleges 2024

 |
By: Joseph O'Connell
Money has added Merrimack College to its Best Colleges 2024 list. Colleges are selected based on affordability, quality of education, and employment and earnings outcomes.
Headshot of Raquel Perez next to the Merrimack College logo.

Master’s Student Overcomes Tremendous Odds to Become Double Warrior

 |
By: Michael Cronin
Raquel Perez ’20, M’23 overcame a lifelong speech impediment and a catastrophic gas explosion to earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree from Merrimack College.
Photo of Raice Szott ’24 sitting in the stands at Lawler Rink.

Merrimack Women’s Ice Hockey Player Named Hockey Humanitarian Award Finalist

 |
By: Joseph O'Connell
Raice Szott ’24, a defender, is one of five finalists for the prestigious national award that recognizes a college hockey player who goes above and beyond to not only positively impact their team, but also their community.