Amoaba Gooden, who has a doctorate in African-American studies from Temple University, has been selected “as the sole finalist for the position” of vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, according to an email sent from the university on Wednesday.

“Dr. Gooden’s vision, academic and administrative leadership, career achievements and contributions to Kent State were judged by the committee as exceptionally aligned with key opportunities and challenges for our next vice president,” President Todd Diacon said in the email.

A 13-member search committee for this position was announced Feb. 18 in an email from President Diacon. The committee, which was led by Mark Polatajko, the senior vice president of finance and administration, has completed the initial phase of its national search.

Gooden has been the interim vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion since May 2020 and has served as the chairperson of the Department of Pan-African Studies at Kent State for eight years.

Gooden will hold a virtual presentation Tuesday, April 20, that is open to the public where she will discuss the topic of Opportunities and Challenges Nationally in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The presentation will start at 11:15 a.m. and attendees are allowed to ask questions following the presentation and are encouraged to fill out a survey on her candidacy, according to the email.

The campus will hold interviews remotely to ensure the safety of Kent State’s community, according to the email.

Kelly Krabill covers administration. Contact her at [email protected].