Features

Dr. Christopher J. Cyphers, provost of the School of Visual Arts, has announced the appointment of Andrew (Dru) Alvez, Sr., as director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the College, effective Monday, July 1. Alvez comes to SVA from Union College, the second-oldest institution of higher education in New York, where he simultaneously held the positions of chief diversity officer for Student and Institutional Success and director of Intercultural Affairs, and previously simultaneously held the positions of assistant director of Intercultural Affairs and chief diversity officer for Student Affairs.

As part of his role at SVA, Alvez will lead the College’s DEI Task Force, which was formed in 2018 and comprises members of the College’s academic and administrative leadership and staff. The task force prioritizes addressing inequities in the experiences of SVA community members and fosters antiracist progress on campus.

With Alvez at the helm, the DEI Task Force will also continue the long-term goals laid out in the College’s current Strategic Plan, which include expanding representation in and training opportunities for faculty, a curriculum inclusive of historically underrepresented communities and global perspectives, and initiatives to encourage pedagogical approaches that accommodate diverse learning abilities. 

“Dru brings with him to SVA a great deal of experience in the DEI and student support spaces,” Dr. Cyphers says. “I am eager to work with him to build upon our previous successes and advance our DEI agenda, particularly in the areas centered around student and faculty recruitment.”

“I am beyond excited to join such a vibrant and diverse community at SVA,” Alvez says. “I look forward to years of collaboration and creating a sense of belonging for all, both in and out of the classroom.”

A native of Albany, New York, Alvez developed his interest in DEI work in educational settings as a student at SUNY Potsdam, where he earned a BA in speech communication and an MA in English and communications. He also has a passion for sports, with experience as a coach, writer and editor, and has contributed to publications like Bleacher Report, Elite Daily and VladTV.

After five years of working in the New York City media industry, Alvez transitioned to DEI roles in education. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California with the goal of making institutional changes within higher education.

For more information on diversity, equity and inclusion at SVA, visit sva.edu/dei.