Dr. Matthew Valverde was recently named Inclusive Excellence Liaison for Adams State University. In this role, he will lead new and continuing programs that build on current initiatives of the ASU Community of Inclusion, Equity, Leadership, and Opportunity (CIELO). His focus will be to address issues of diversity and inclusion that cut across organizational and divisional lines.
"Dr. Valverde is passionate about diversity and inclusion across campus. He will be important in helping us advance Adams State’s vision to become the institution of choice for traditionally underrepresented students," said Adams State President Beverlee J. McClure. "This work is vital to us as Colorado’s first Hispanic Serving Institution. We are committed to fostering a climate that welcomes and supports students, faculty, and staff of diverse social identities." Those identities include race and ethnicity, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religious affiliation, and abilities/disabilities.
"Adams State is actually doing what I dreamed a school would do – examining what students need and making the choice to institute curricular changes," Valverde said. "I am excited to bring what I know to the position but also to learn about best practices and to experience diversity training on a national level." He is active with the Adams Pathway project, which is developing an undergraduate curriculum and assessment plan based on the framework of inclusive excellence.
Valverde joined the Adams State music faculty in 2016 as assistant professor of voice. As Inclusive Excellence Liaison, he will serve on the President’s Cabinet and chair the CIELO President’s Advisory Group. He also will participate in the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education and other relevant organizations. One goal of the post is to update and implement the Inclusive Excellence Strategic Plan and facilitate its integration into the university strategic plan, ASU 2020. Valverde also will work to promote the hiring and retention of diverse employees. He will collaborate with Adams State’s Office of Title V and support campus dialogue on equity.
Valverde brings a background in diversity work gained through collegiate studies in gender, sexuality, race, and culture. He also has been trained in transgender advocacy and ally-ship. He serves on the board of directors for Tu Casa, and participated in the 2017 Unidos Equity Leadership Institute, presented by the Adams State Office of Title V.
Valverde holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Tex.
