LaRon Scott Named Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
LaRon A. Scott, associate professor of education, has been appointed the associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at the UVA School of Education and Human Development.
Associate Professor of Education LaRon A. Scott has been appointed the associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development.
“LaRon brings an impressive wealth of knowledge and experience leading diversity and inclusion initiatives to this role,” said UVA EHD dean Stephanie Rowley. “More importantly, he is truly passionate about the value of inclusion and skilled in bringing people together. We are delighted that he has accepted the position.”
Established in 2020, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion focuses on creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable school environment, as well as enhancing school-wide diversity, equity and inclusion accountability, effectiveness and collaboration. Scott succeeds Robert Q. Berry, III, who served as the school’s first associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion before becoming dean of the University of Arizona’s College of Education in July.
“Robert Berry and his team have done a really excellent job of elevating conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion, positioning the school as a leader in this space,” Scott said. “I’m thrilled to be continuing that work and developing new opportunities, initiatives and policies to ensure that we are sustaining an inclusive environment – not only for our students, but also for our faculty, staff, and the greater community that we serve.”
Scott was the founder and executive director of the Minority Educator Recruitment, Retention, and Equity Center (MERREC) at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he served as a faculty member for 12 years before joining the UVA faculty in 2022. He also serves as co-editor of Inclusion, a peer-reviewed journal that focuses on evidence-based interventions and strategies that promote the full inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Scott’s research focuses on recruitment, preparation, and retention of historically marginalized teacher educators, notably special education teachers, and postsecondary transition programming and outcomes for Black youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before completing his master’s and doctoral degrees, he worked as a mental health case manager and special education classroom teacher and transition coordinator.
“As a school that prepares students to become teachers, therapists, and other community leaders, diversity, equity and inclusion are central to everything we do here at EHD,” Rowley added. “I look forward to working with LaRon and his team to build a more equitable future together.”