Shaila Mehra was appointed assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and associate professor of practice in the Department of Sociology.

She most recently served as director of the Center for Africana Studies and teaching assistant professor of English at Oklahoma State University.

Mehra’s research focuses on African American women, with a specialization in black feminist theory. In this newly created position, Mehra will lead inclusion and diversity initiatives within the college.