By: Essence Buckman, Staff Writer

Ron Norman ’13 announced at the third annual Black Alumni Summit during homecoming weekend that he will replace Jennifer Gutierrez-Caldwell as the interim director of Diversity and Inclusion until May 2017. He started on Nov. 9, 2016. In an interview with the Old Gold and Black, Norman discussed his experiences at Wofford, both past and present.

Q: How did you hear about Wofford and what made you decide to attend?

A: I grew up Woodruff and have always been familiar with Wofford and how great of a school it is. I had my heart set on Furman at first, but Wofford provided me with scholarship money. I was fortunate enough to receive the Bonner Scholarship and I was super appreciative of that.

Q: What was your student experience like, and did it change throughout your four years here?

A: I originally came into college naïve, thinking I should focus on friendships and a part time job, leaving my studies on the back burner. However, I learned to get my priorities straight… The experience overall was great. I learned a lot about myself and how to interact with people.

Q: What made you decide to run for Campus Union President?

A: Funny story: I was student body president in middle and high school, and I thought, “How crazy would it be if I could do that in college as well?” I wanted to give back to a great school that I love and that gave me a platform to have an impact in a powerful way.

Q: What did you do during your time as President?

A: I wanted to work with the many organizations on campus to let them know that Campus Union cares about their wants and needs and that no one organization is favored over the other.

Q: How did you find your way back to Wofford?

A: After graduation, I worked in marketing for the corporate headquarters for AT&T  in Atlanta until my contract expired. After searching for jobs, I reached out to WSPA News Channel 7, who I had interned with while I was attending Wofford. I worked there for 2 years until I recently accepted the diversity director position.

Q: How did you find out about the position opening?

A: I always visit Wofford from time to time to see Gutierrez-Caldwell, Dean Hammett, Dean Bigger and other staff. Around the time after Gutierrez-Caldwell had announced leaving Wofford, I was visiting Dean Bigger and she asked me if I would like the position.

Q: Do you have experience dealing with matters of diversity?

A7: First, I went to Wofford. Second, I am a person of color. I think having those experiences lets me come into this job from a place of understanding. Given that I’ve been in media and marketing adds to my experience as well, this is just my first position dealing with diversity in higher education.

Q: What do you plan to do during your time as director?

A: I want to build a relationship with Student Affairs, students and faculty members. [Gutierrez-Caldwell] left a big footprint. Being a former student here, I understand the things that students deal with. I want to help inspire and encourage them on their journeys.

Q: What is your opinion on Wofford’s diversity now?

A: I believe there is a lot of opportunity to grow in terms of race, religion and sexual orientation. I believe [Wofford] should foster a more inclusive community and it is critical that college-aged students want these changes.

Q: Do you believe this is a job that can be done by one person, or would a team of directors be better?

A: I think [the office of Diversity and Inclusion] could possibly be led by a team. [Gutierrez-Caldwell] took on a lot. I think someone can be the go-to person for student organizations, and someone else could work with faculty on bringing in different kinds of people. I think it could be multi-faceted and that [Wofford] should invest in the opportunity that the [diversity office] has to grow.