Watson to Spearhead Anti-Racist Initiatives at IU

Indiana University’s School of Education has announced Provost Professor Lemuel Watson will establish a major set of anti-racist initiatives at the school. Watson has been named as the newly created associate vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs. He will be charged with creating a new Pandemic Health Disparities Fund, and new Health Resources and Services Administration grant and supporting a new Racial Justice Research Fund, among other responsibilities. 

Watson will lead efforts related to the office’s anti-racist agenda for all IU campuses, and will also provide strategic direction for supporting an accepting university culture.

“I am honored to continue to serve Indiana University, the faculty, staff and students in these new roles,” Watson said. “Over the last three decades, I have been an advocate, researcher and professor who has tried to build bridges where there are differences, especially with underrepresented and LGBTQ populations. Creating a sense of belonging and community for all who are at IU is essential work and well worth the effort to build a stronger organization. Having the opportunity to work with IU’s campuses across constituencies and disciplines to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion is essential for a healthy community.”

He will continue his research as a faculty member of the Kinsey Institute, where he oversees efforts for education, research and funding. Watson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree from Ball State University, and his doctorate from Indiana University.