The University of Washington Bothell has named Miguel Macias as the first director of the new diversity center.
Macias is a Seattle University and Washington State University graduate from the eastern Washington town of Mabton. For the past two years Macias has been assistant director of the office of multicultural student success at DePaul University in Chicago. Previously, Macias was program coordinator for the department of student diversity and multicultural affairs at Loyola University Chicago.
The diversity center opened May 1 on the first floor of Founders Hall (UW-1). It includes rooms for meetings and training sessions as well as space for students to study or gather between classes. The diversity center serves as a hub for coordinating student diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across campus.
Macias earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology-comparative ethnic studies from Washington State University in 2009 and a master’s in education from Seattle University in 2011 focusing on student development administration.
Macias was the choice of a search committee made up of administration, faculty and student members who interviewed candidates over spring quarter. He will begin work at UW Bothell Aug. 7.
Macias said he’s excited to move back to his home state and work at a public university to improve the lives of first generation, low-income and students of color, so they have pathways to success.
“When I read the job description I felt like this was my calling. It felt as if this is what I had been working for the last couple of years,” Macias said. “What I want to contribute is my passion, dedication and commitment to build relationships with the University community and bring this diversity center to life.”
He’ll work with the UW Bothell Division of Student Affairs and collaborate with faculty and the broader community to strengthen the student support network, Macias said. He envisions the diversity center as a place where minoritized students are able to live out all aspects of their identities in a safe and welcoming environment.
