Vice Provost Aims to Open Doors for Minorities at University of Texas
AUSTIN
It’s the little things that make history major Brandelyn Franks feel uncomfortable at the University of Texas at Austin.
Things like walking into a class of 400 students and having the only Black face. Or getting sideways glances from teachers and classmates when something racially controversial is said. Or seeing the same handful of people at every diversity forum at the 50,000-student school.
“I don’t necessarily think that the university is very inviting, although they try to make like they are,” said Franks, 21.
UT President Larry Faulkner has heard those concerns, calling for sweeping changes last year to make the state’s flagship university a more welcoming place for students of color.
Among the changes was the hiring of Greg Vincent, the new vice provost for inclusion and cross-cultural understanding. Vincent, who joined the university last month, is working to attract minority students and professors and make those already here feel welcome.
