May 31, 2009 — William B. Harvey, the University of Virginia's vice president and chief officer for diversity and equity, has announced he will leave U.Va. to become director of the International Reading Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to global literacy.

Harvey came to the University four years ago to establish the Office for Diversity and Equity, a key recommendation of the President's Commission on Diversity and Equity.

"Bill Harvey worked hard to increase understanding across Grounds that diversity and equity are fundamental to a great university," said University President John T. Casteen III. "I am grateful for his work and all of us wish him well in this new undertaking."

Casteen has appointed Dr. Marcus L. Martin as interim vice president and chief officer for diversity and equity. For the past three years, Martin has served on Harvey's leadership team as associate vice president.

"Dr. Martin is well suited to continue to move the University's diversity initiatives forward," Casteen said. "He brings a keen understanding of the goals and aspirations of the office and of the greater University community."

Martin said the University's efforts at building inclusion, respect, sensitivity and tolerance were well served by Harvey's tenure.

"Through his vision and leadership, the Office for Diversity and Equity has become an integral part of the University," Martin said. "I am honored and excited to be appointed the interim vice president and chief officer for diversity and equity at U.Va. I will need the help of all across the Grounds and in the community."

Casteen created the Commission on Diversity and Equity in 2003, charging it with assessing the quality of the student experience with special attention to the experiences of women and minorities.

Martin will report to Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., executive vice president and provost. "I am pleased that Dr. Martin has agreed to take on this new responsibility," Garson said. "We are fortunate to be able to turn to someone so experienced and so well regarded across Grounds."

Martin has been involved in numerous diversity and public service initiatives within the institution and in neighboring communities. Prior to joining the Office for Diversity and Equity, Martin was for more than 10 years chairman of the University's Department of Emergency Medicine. He was the first African-American to head a clinical department at U.Va.

In 2007, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine appointed Martin to serve as vice chairman of the Virginia Tech Review Panel.

Three of his four children, two nephews and a niece are U.Va. alumni.