On June 3, 2024, Dean Nancy Allbritton shared the following announcement with the College of Engineering community:

I am writing to share the exciting news that Robin Neal Clayton will serve as interim Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, beginning August 1, 2024, when Karen Thomas-Brown transitions to her new role as Dean of the College of Education at Washington State University. In this role, Robin will provide strategic leadership for OIE programs and initiatives and the College’s efforts to advance and sustain inclusive environments for faculty, staff and students.

Robin joined the College of Engineering in October 2020 as the Director of Engineering Excellence. She previously held several roles on campus including Director of the Educational Opportunity Program in the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D). Robin’s extensive knowledge and expertise on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and her focus on support and advocacy position her well to take on this role. She has contributed immensely to the advancement of the College’s strategic goals around inclusive excellence, and I know she will continue to do so in this interim role.

I would like to again recognize Karen Thomas-Brown and thank her for her exceptional service in the College of Engineering. Thanks to Karen’s leadership, the Office of Inclusive Excellence is positioned very well for the future. A search for the permanent Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence will launch later this year.

I appreciate Robin’s willingness to serve as leader of OIE during this interim period. Please join me in congratulating Robin on her appointment.