Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
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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