MSU welcomes Quarles as assistant VP for access, diversity and inclusion

Contact: Sasha Steinberg

Dominique A. Quarles is pictured in a suit with trees and tall buildings in the background.
Dominique A. Quarles (Photo submitted)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Dominique A. Quarles has been named assistant vice president for access, diversity and inclusion at Mississippi State University.

This week, Quarles begins his new role of helping to advance the 143-year-old land-grant’s work of inclusive excellence on campus. MSU’s commitment to outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts has been recognized with the national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Quarles earned a Ph.D. in higher education from the University of Georgia, where he has served as director of diversity and inclusion since 2017. He also holds a Master of Education in higher education and a bachelor’s in biology, both from Georgia Southern University.

Ra’Sheda Forbes, MSU’s vice president for access, diversity and inclusion, said Quarles will play an integral role in the university’s efforts to promote a culture of inclusion and student success where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic status; sexual orientation and gender; religious, political and ideological perspectives; and physical and mental abilities can thrive.

“I am excited that Dr. Quarles will be joining us at Mississippi State University. He brings to us a track record of diversity, equity and inclusion that will allow us to continue to support the mission and vision of our great institution,” Forbes said.

Quarles said he looks forward to working with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to increase the alignment of Mississippi State’s values and help embed them into the university’s policy, practices and culture.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with such an amazing team of professionals, and I am eager to leverage our collective expertise and diverse experiences to build upon the foundation of success at Mississippi State University,” he said.

Learn more about MSU’s diversity efforts at www.oidi.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.