Dr. Rosamel Benavides-Garb has been appointed the Interim Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Campus Diversity Officer for Cal Poly Humboldt. He begins in this new role on August 1, 2022.

Reporting to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, the incoming Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Campus Diversity Officer (AVP/CDO) will play a strategic and crucial University-wide role by providing support, organization, and education to foster and promote a campus culture that minimizes bias and recognizes and addresses systemic inequities.

Dr. Benavides-Garb has served Cal Poly Humboldt humbly in various faculty and leadership roles since beginning his time here in 1991. Most recently he served as the Associate Dean and Interim Dean for the College of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences.

Dr. Benavides-Garb is an immigrant like many Humboldt students and their families, and he learned English as a second language as an adult. He humbly sees himself in the eyes of Humboldt Latinx students, their parents, and families. He has a shared experience  of hard work and commitment to advancement and success.

Dr. Benavides-Garb has been an active leader in all matters related to diversity, equity and inclusion in all he does. He has a sound institutional memory of the history and role of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI) since before its creation. He has historically been engaged with the ODEI leadership, serving on a number of committees as advisor and consultant in critical matters. He also has significant experience building new programs at Humboldt and abroad. His solid international experience has also been guided by his deep understanding of issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in a global context. He brings exceptional perspectives to the role of ODEI at a historic moment for our institution.

“I am honored to serve in this critical position. I see this as another opportunity to learn and support our institution at this unique polytechnical juncture. I am happy to continue my work supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion,” says Dr. Rosamel Benavides-Garb. 

“I am excited to welcome Dr. Rosamel Benavides-Garb to the role of Interim Associate Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion and Campus Diversity Officer for Cal Poly Humboldt,” says Provost Jenn Capps. “Dr. Benavides-Garb brings with him decades of experience and relationships within the campus, in the local community, and across the world. He is an experienced leader, educator and community builder.”