CHICAGO, Aug. 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The John Marshall Law School in Chicago has named Associate Professor Arthur Acevedo as the new Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Faculty. At a time when institutions around the country are dealing with questions of racial equality, Acevedo's appointment affirms John Marshall's longstanding commitment to diversity.
In this position, Acevedo will work closely with faculty, the law school dean and administrators and John Marshall's new Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Troy Riddle to reach diversity and inclusion goals for the faculty and to maintain and promote a welcoming, inclusive and diverse culture for the entire law school community. He will initially focus on increasing diversity among the adjunct faculty; increasing awareness among all faculty concerning diversity issues in the classroom and best practices in addressing such issues; increasing awareness among faculty of diversity issues in one-on-one contact with students; and assisting in recruiting diverse candidates for full-time faculty positions.
"Diversity and inclusion speak to the broader themes of awareness, tolerance and acceptance," said Acevedo. "At some level, each one of us look for acceptance and inclusion in our endeavors. I look forward to helping the law school achieve its diversity objectives. I especially look forward to meeting and speaking with individuals interested in teaching from all backgrounds generally, and from historically disadvantaged backgrounds specifically. I hope to bring a richer classroom and teaching experience for both students and faculty alike. I am confident that with continuing and dedicated institutional support, the diversity goals can be reached. I thank The John Marshall Law School for its vote of confidence."
In announcing Acevedo's appointment, Dean John E. Corkery said, "This is a very important leadership position for the law school. We are fortunate to have someone as talented, accomplished and dedicated as Art to take on the significant responsibilities and challenges that come with this position. I know he will do a great job for the law school and I thank him for agreeing to do it."
Acevedo is a tenured associate professor at the law school. He previously taught full time at the University of Baltimore School of Law and as an adjunct professor at DePaul University College of Law. He teaches in the areas of federal income tax, contracts, corporations and constitutional law. Prior to becoming a full-time professor, Acevedo was Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Marbo, Inc.
He received his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law and holds a Master of Science Degree in Taxation and a B.S. in Commerce also from DePaul. He also is a CPA and is fluent in Spanish.
ABOUT THE JOHN MARSHALL LAW SCHOOL
Founded in 1899, John Marshall was an early pioneer in opening its doors and admitting minorities, women and immigrants. The law school graduated its first female student, Jessie Cook, in 1903; its first African-American student, James Randle, in 1904 and its first Hispanic student, William E. Rodriguez, in 1912. Today, with more than 34 percent of the student body at John Marshall composed of minority students, the law school's student body is one of the most diversified in the nation according to preLaw magazine. Of the 1,032 students currently enrolled in the law school's J.D. program, 353 identify as African American, Asian, Hispanic and other diverse backgrounds. The numbers reflect John Marshall's longstanding mission to encourage minority and under-represented students to pursue a career in the law.
John Marshall's community is made up of more than 50 student organizations that represent the diverse interests and pursuits of the student body. These organizations include the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, Black Law Students Association, Latino Law Students Association and Middle Eastern Law Students Association. Student leaders from many of these organizations comprise the Multicultural Leadership Council, which works to ensure that John Marshall remains at the forefront of diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the Academic Enhancement Program, developed by the Latino Law Students Association and run by the Office of Diversity Affairs, offers students a forum for course review through weekly assessments and practice exams.