FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Luis Fernando Restrepo has been selected as assistant vice provost for diversity at the University of Arkansas. Restrepo is professor of Spanish, comparative literature, and Latin American and Latino studies in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. He will work with Charles Robinson, vice provost for diversity, to increase the numbers of underrepresented students, faculty and staff at the university.

“Luis Restrepo has been active in diversity issues for his entire professional life,” said Robinson. “In his 15 years at the University of Arkansas he has been an active advocate for diversity on this campus and a strong supporter of the Hispanic population here. He is an excellent addition to this office.”

Restrepo’s new duties will include developing strategies to attract and retain underrepresented students, faculty and staff; implementing recruitment and retention initiatives; helping to coordinate the Razorback Bridge Program; supporting development of the AmeriCorps program; and building relationships with high schools in Arkansas and with colleges and universities across the country that have historically served black and Hispanic students.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of this new position,” Restrepo said. “I am pleased to see the university increase its commitment to diversity, and I am eager to be part of that commitment.”

Restrepo earned his doctorate in Spanish and Latin American literature from the University of Maryland. His area of specialization is colonial Latin America, but he has also conducted research and taught courses on contemporary indigenous literatures in Latin America, violence and resistance in the Americas, and literature and human rights. His courses regularly examine issues of ethnic, economic and gender inequalities.

“Luis Restrepo brings a strong academic background and a deep personal passion to the issues of diversity,” said Sharon Gaber, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “That combination makes him the right person to help reach out to people in underrepresented groups and bring them to our campus.”