Nora Bouzihay has been named assistant to the president for equity initiatives for Southeast Missouri State University. She will also serve as the institution’s Title IX coordinator in this role. Bouzihay will begin her new duties Dec. 1.
Bouzihay will support the development of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with University leadership and coordinate all Title IX efforts for the University. The position reports directly to Southeast President Carlos Vargas.
“We are excited to welcome Nora to Southeast,” said Vargas. “She is an experienced leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and program development that will serve our students, faculty, and staff as we work toward goals outlined in the University’s Strategic Action Plan.”
Bouzihay began her career with Arkansas State University first as an academic success coach then as assistant director of multicultural affairs before becoming the interim director of multicultural affairs. In that role, she redesigned trainings, developed programs to contribute to the success of underrepresented student populations, and maintained campus and community partnerships.
“I am humbly honored and excited to be part of an institution that has genuine interest in the success of students, faculty, and staff,” said Bouzihay. “This role is truly a student-centered position, developed to be an advocate for all our students at SEMO and enhance the experiences of students, faculty, and staff. I am looking forward to working with President Vargas, student groups, and all of my colleagues at Southeast and to the impact this position with have for the growth of the institution.”
Bouzihay has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Master of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service, and is completing her dissertation for a Doctor of Education Degree in higher education-student affairs from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.