New leaders join Office for Inclusive Excellence

The Office for Inclusive Excellence is starting the new year with two new members being added to the leadership team.

Rickey Frierson, Ph.D., who has been serving the Warner College of Natural Resources as assistant dean of diversity and inclusion, has accepted the position of assistant vice president for strategic student success initiatives. John Miller IV, formerly associate director for diversity, equity and inclusion in Black Community Initiatives at the University of Denver, has been named director of the Black/African American Cultural Center.

“I am so excited to welcome both of these professionals to our team,” said Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Kauline Cipriani. “Dr. Frierson is well-known for his outstanding work helping the Warner College attract and retain students from diverse backgrounds. His expertise will be invaluable as we amplify OIE’s contributions to student success on our campus.”

Frierson, who has spent the last 15 years presenting on issues of social justice, diversity and inclusion, and underrepresented student success within higher education, fills the position most recently held by Bridgette Johnson. Frierson’s research interest centers on institutional accountability and effectiveness in student success and completion at predominantly white public institutions, and he has published articles, submitted book reviews, and written book contributions around efficiencies of education. 

Frierson holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Houston; a master’s degree in organization development from Friends University; and a bachelor’s in business management with a minor in leadership studies and programs from Kansas State University. He has also earned a civic leadership development certificate from the Kansas Leadership Center and a diversity certification from Sedgwick County Social Services.  

Miller is stepping into the directorship of B/AACC, succeeding Interim Director Jennifer Williams Molock.

“John is coming to CSU with years of experience and dedication to Black cultural center work across multiple institutions, with roles focused on building community for students and faculty/staff,” said Maggie Hendrickson, director of the Pride Resource Center. “He’s bringing in a new energy focused on imagination, intersectionality and deep rootedness. We’re excited to see this inform how he’ll lead B/AACC into the center’s next chapter and upcoming 50^th anniversary.”

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and Black by way of Gullah-Geechee and Afro Appalachian peoples, Miller said he draws strength from the influential Black folx who shaped his life and values. He is passionate about Black identity development, organizational transformation, immersive experiences and integrating the arts into his work.

Miller holds a master’s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from North Carolina State University. Throughout his career, he has contributed to institutions such as Duke University, Elon University and the University of Colorado Boulder, where he has built a legacy of empowering engagement, rebuilding community trust, and advancing Black cultural production.