Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences' top priorities have long included fostering and creating an environment of both student success and one of inclusive excellence and belonging for all.

Now, a long-time leader — Romona West — has been named to helm both key initiatives at the U of A's largest and most academically diverse college.

West was named the college's new assistant dean for student success, inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives this fall, after Deb Korth, who formerly led the college's student success initiatives, was named the U of A's senior associate vice provost for student success and academic excellence. 

"In light of this transition, it brings me great pride to share that Romona West will lead our college's student success portfolio, in addition to her current inclusive excellence work," said Brian E. Raines, dean of Fulbright College.

"Romona has been instrumental in fostering inclusive excellence; mentoring faculty, staff and students; developing key initiatives; and enhancing a sense of belonging in Fulbright College," he added. "Romona is the right fit to lead our college's student success efforts, and I am excited and optimistic about her continued leadership in our college."  

In West's new role, she will continue to serve as the inaugural and chief academic inclusion officer for Fulbright College, focusing on fostering inclusive excellence and belonging, strategic planning, goal setting and metrics, while also providing education and strategic leadership support, modeling inclusive practices and engaging in outreach and service.

She will also now take on the added responsibility of being the college's chief student success officer, focusing on providing strategic vision and planning, goal setting and metrics in that area, while also supervising and leading the college's retention initiatives such as the Instructor Coach program, as well as the Office of Fulbright Career Connections, those teaching student success courses and student success liaisons.

"It is a true honor to take on this new role, which involves work that I am very passionate about," West said. "Helping our students thrive and learn, and combining this with an ongoing focus on inclusive excellence and belonging is key to creating the successful outcomes we want most for our graduates."

"I'm also excited to get to work even more closely with our college's amazing student success team members," she said. "From pre-enrollment to post-graduation, our Academic Services, Career Connections, Undergraduate Excellence & Global Engagement and Student Success & Retention teams support and guide our students in all aspects of their college experience and beyond."

Prior to joining Fulbright College in 2019 as director of DEI, West was the assistant director of graduate recruitment and outreach for the U of A's Graduate School and International Education, where she implemented effective strategies and programs to recruit diverse graduate students and domestic graduate students at large.

Previously, she worked for Walmart Stores Inc. for 16 years leading teams, developing real estate strategies, serving as a diversity champion, working on numerous inclusion initiatives, recruiting talent and developing programs to help retain, engage, mentor and grow talent.

Additionally, West provides pro-bono legal services, is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator and serves as an adjunct business law instructor for U of A's Sam M. Walton College. She most recently served on the All University Student Conduct Board and as a Title IX adviser. She is also an alumna of the UARK Leaders Program and the SEC Academic Leadership program.

A proud alumna and avid Razorback fan, West earned both her J.D. and a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in accounting from the U of A.  

This story also appeared in the Fulbright REVIEW publication.