Appointment of Dr. Jeremy L. Brunson as Interim Chief Diversity Officer

President Cordano announced on July 27 the appointment of Dr. Jeremy L. Brunson as Interim Chief Diversity Officer, effective on August 15. Dr. Brunson is currently Executive Director of the Division of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence, a role he has held since February 2022. He is a sociologist by training, and is also a certified American Sign Language interpreter. Such is his expertise in both areas that he was a faculty member in our Sociology and Interpretation programs before assuming his current role. 

Dr. Brunson uses the critical theories and methodologies of sociology to identify, explore, and dismantle systemic oppression. His academic research interests are at the intersection of disability studies, Deaf studies, and the sociology of work and the professions. He has consulted widely in both the public and private sectors. As a Fulbright Specialist, he traveled to Mongolia, where he worked with a local Deaf organization and presented to government officials on the importance of diversity and access in a democracy.  

As Executive Director of DEDI, Dr. Brunson oversaw several units, including Communications and Community Engagement, Intercultural Alliances, and Equal Opportunity Programs. He also serves on the Steering Committee for the Louise B. Miller Memorial Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children, and was instrumental in the success of our Kendall School Division II graduation ceremony on July 22. Dr. Brunson will join the university’s Executive Team. 

In her July 27th announcement, President Cordano also thanked Dr. Elizabeth A. Moore, ’81, G-’94, & PhD ’11, who has served as our Interim Chief Diversity Officer for the last three years, and who is retiring this month. 

“Dr. Moore, a long-time faculty member in our Social Work program, had a career-long commitment to ensuring community access and equity as a social worker and as a faculty member,” said President Cordano. “Dr. Moore was an ideal fit for this role because of her lived experience and her involvement in our antiracism journey.”  

“During her time as our Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Dr. Moore led the visioning and implementation of Gallaudet University’s quest for inclusive excellence. Through compassionate listening and intentional cross-campus collaboration, she and her staff sought to transform relationships and policies that shape the Gallaudet University of the future.” 

“As I did in May, I want to thank Dr. Moore for her exemplary service. Her career at Gallaudet has spanned 27 years as a faculty member, program chair, and administrator. She also was the first faculty member in recent memory to be the keynote speaker at Commencement, in 2018, to great acclaim. Thank you, Dr. Moore.”