N.C. A&T Names New Chief Diversity Officer

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (June 29, 2021) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has named Del L. Ruff as its executive diversity and inclusion officer in the Division of Human Resources.

Ruff is an accomplished thought-leader and professional with more than 20 years of experience advocating for diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. He’s worked within organizations as an educator, principal, administrator, researcher, and leader with a future-forward philosophy.

"We are excited to have Del in this chief diversity officer role," said Christina Brogdon, vice chancellor for human resources. "It continues to be of importance for A&T to provide a welcoming campus for all and Del will provide the leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to make that possible."

Before coming to A&T, Ruff was the senior director of workforce and education with American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. In that role, he developed the pilot Learning By Design, which provided engagement to more than 12,000 students in grade K-8 to inform AIA’s K-12 Initiatives. He also worked as the director of public policy think tank, Public School Forum of North Carolina.

As chief diversity officer Ruff’s primary responsibility is to provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for researching, developing, implementing, and maintaining a range of successful practices for supporting and prioritizing equity, diversity and inclusiveness. He’s led diversity and equity work with Wake Forest University School of Medicine and University of California Hasting Law School, as well as education equity for K-12 and community colleges.

Ruff began as executive diversity and inclusion officer June 21, 2021.