This past December, SVA announced Dr. Jarvis Watson’s appointment as the College’s first director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this role, Dr. Watson leads the newly formed DEI office as well as the DEI Task Force, a group comprising SVA leadership and staff, which was founded in 2018 to effectuate the diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of the College’s latest Strategic Plan.

Dr. Watson brings nearly 20 years of experience to his role, with a distinguished career in advocacy for students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. We recently corresponded with him to find out more about his goals for the next 100 days and beyond, his background and his interests.

Thank you so much for speaking with us. Tell us a bit about your professional experience and what brought you to SVA.

I have been a leader for DEI, access and success for historically underrepresented communities for over 18 years. My career began by providing awareness and resources to underserved communities through GEAR UP. The program was designed to link a state university—in this case, Kean University—and a local community—Perth Amboy, New Jersey—in a partnership that provided a pathway for middle and high school students to prepare, apply, and gain acceptance to college.

I then transitioned within Kean to working on a state initiative called the Educational Opportunity Fund, which supports matriculated students whose academic and financial conditions are inequitable. Then I returned to my alma mater, Stony Brook University (SUNY), as an assistant director and senior counselor for the Educational Opportunity Program for close to 10 years. I was then tapped to become the assistant dean for multicultural affairs and helped spread awareness and education about issues related to race, ethnicity, culture, LGBTQ+ communities, campus climate, training and inclusive curriculum development. Following that, I served as the interim chief diversity officer for one year.

I chose to work at the School of Visual Arts because of my love for the arts, but more specifically with a commitment toward free expression, diversity, and inclusion. When I saw that these were part of the College’s core values, it resonated with my personal and professional goals. I was ready to transition in my life, and SVA felt like the perfect fit.

What are you most looking forward to working on during your first 100 days?

I plan on achieving the following goals:

becoming part of the SVA community by meeting the community members where they are;
clarifying the diversity priorities established by the DEI Task Force and supported by the campus leadership;
developing an understanding of the campus’ diversity dynamics through various formal and informal interactions;
establishing a DEI identity within the campus through my interactions, messaging and education.

How have your background and experience informed your career path and approach?

I believe your passion inspires your creativity. I’ve always been passionate about spreading awareness and knowledge, especially for historically marginalized populations. But with DEI roles such as this one, it’s important to help the entire campus understand their role and contribution toward creating a system of empathy, inclusion, equity and access. It’s great to be at an institution that establishes the language and resources to make possible such an environment.

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