Jamie Parson named Chief Diversity Officer

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Dear Members of the App State Community,

I am pleased to announce that after a national search, I have named Jamie Parson to the position of Chief Diversity Officer, effective immediately.

In the last year, since I appointed Jamie Interim Chief Diversity Officer, she has led many important diversity, equity and inclusion accomplishments for App State. Her work has included promoting transparency in policies and expectations, continuing to enhance the university’s evaluative methods, disaggregating data to assist with making data-driven decisions, advancing professional development and networking opportunities, and partnering with numerous individuals and units across the university to implement unit-level and campuswide diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Jamie came into the interim role well known for her leadership with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at App State, and she is widely respected on our campus and nationally. Her research, scholarship and service have consistently included diversity, equity and inclusion work.

In addition to her Chief Diversity Officer position, Jamie is also on faculty as an Associate Professor in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance.

Prior to her interim appointment last year, she led the Walker College of Business’ Inclusive Excellence Team and the Risk Management and Insurance diversity initiatives in the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center, and she served 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.

Jamie 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.

Please join me in congratulating Jamie on her permanent appointment, and join me in thanking her for her continued leadership.

On behalf of the university, I extend appreciation to the search committee for its diligence and service throughout the search process. A news release will be issued soon.

Best wishes,


Sheri Everts, Chancellor