News Release

New Assistant Provost for Diversity Appointed at Pacific

(June 30, 2008) -

Arturo Ocampo, a well-known attorney and expert on diversity was named the new assistant provost for diversity at University of the Pacific this week. He will start in his new position Aug. 15th, about a week before students return from their summer break.

"Arturo Ocampo is an ideal appointment for us," said Provost Phil Gilberston. "Dr. Ocampo is exceptionally well-rounded in his experience dealing with diversity issues, from student recruitment to faculty and curriculum development to community outreach. His appointment represents another major investment in strengthening Pacific's commitment to building a diverse campus community."

Ocampo earned a doctorate of law from the University of California, Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law with a thesis on diversity in college admissions in 1983. He received a Reginald Heber Smith Fellowship in 1983. He has worked as an adjunct professor at Delta Community College in Stockton, as a staff attorney for California Rural Legal Assistance in Stockton and most recently as director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity for the San Jose/Evergreen Community College District.

"I've worked a good portion of my professional life in the Central Valley, so receiving this appointment is somewhat of a homecoming for me," Ocampo said. "I look forward to working with the University and surrounding community to address these important issues of diversity, equality and inclusive excellence."

As assistant provost for diversity, Ocampo will be responsible for overseeing diversity issues at Pacific. He will work with admissions and Student Life to increase the recruitment of new students from under-represented backgrounds; identify and address institutional barriers to diversity; coordinate efforts with local agencies to support diversity awareness in the community; and increase student awareness of diversity.