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Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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June 10, 2013
Gina Katzmark | Director of External Affairs | 218 726-6141 | katzmark@d.umn.edu
Lori Melton | Communication Associate | External Affairs | 218 726-8830 | lmelton@d.umn.edu


UMD Names Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives

The University of Minnesota Duluth has selected Dr. Paula Pedersen, assistant professor of psychology, to serve in the new cabinet-level position of Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives. In addition to being an accomplished teacher, scholar, and diversity trainer, Pedersen is a licensed psychologist and carries the Intercultural Development Inventory Administration and Interpretation Certificate.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Pedersen to the senior leadership team. She will help coordinate our efforts to create a more positive and inclusive campus climate for all by advancing equity, diversity, and social justice," said Lendley "Lynn" Black, UMD chancellor. At UMD, Pedersen has served on the Campus Climate Change Team, Diversity Commission, GLBT Advisory Board, and University of Minnesota Intercultural Competence Work Group. She helped spearhead the theme of "how did you come to be here?" bringing together the community and campus in an exploration of cultural self-awareness and identity. Pedersen has also done significant research on intercultural development as a student learning outcome in study abroad and first year experience programs.

Pedersen works closely with ISD #709 on helping the intercultural leadership and curriculum integration efforts in Duluth high schools. She is known in the community for her involvement in organizations such as Mentor Duluth, YMCA, and True North AmeriCorps. "I am beginning this new role with great enthusiasm. The position brings together the various strengths, experience, and passion that have driven my work for the past decade. I am firmly committed to issues of equity, diversity, and social justice in my teaching and community service," said Pedersen.

In her role as Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives, Pedersen will help facilitate campus climate training and development activities for faculty, staff, administration, and students. She will oversee the planning, execution, and assessment of campus-wide intercultural initiatives, work on increasing intercultural student learning outcomes through the International and Study Abroad programs, and serve as a key community liaison.

The Faculty Fellow for Intercultural Initiatives is a one-year renewable appointment that is part faculty and part administrative. The Fellow serves as co-chair for the UMD Campus Climate Change Team along with Susana Pelayo-Woodward, director of the UMD Office of Cultural Diversity.

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