David Elrod, who has served as an assistant equal opportunity officer in the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity since 2017, begins a new role this month as associate vice provost of equal opportunity and equity after a rigorous national search.

Elrod graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 with a B.S. in mathematics and from Appalachian State University in 2007 and 2015 with a master’s in higher education administration and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Most recently before coming to NC State, he served as Appalachian State University’s director of student conduct, Title IX steering committee member and chair of the university’s policy committee on Title IX.

Notably, his dissertation research, Prompt and Equitable: A Critical Study of Sexual Violence Policies and Procedures at University of North Carolina System Institutions, was recognized by the Association for Student Conduct Administrators (ASCA) as the national dissertation of the year in 2016.

Since arriving at NC State, Elrod has worked diligently as part of the Equal Opportunity and Equity team to help update the office’s case management system, improve and streamline processes and work through a backlog of cases after the office began handling Title IX complaints for the university. He was also instrumental in organizing, publicizing and presenting a campus-wide open forum in January of this year on the proposed changes to Title IX initiated by the U.S. Department of Education.

With his friendly and helpful demeanor, Elrod has quickly gained the support of partners and allies across the university. The office’s staff also responded with unanimous and wholehearted congratulations on the announcement of his new position.

Sheri Schwab, interim vice provost for Institutional Equity and Diversity at NC State, added her support about the new associate vice provost. “Dr. Elrod brings both his expertise and a high level of commitment and professionalism to this position. He will bring vision and action to this role and to OIED in service to NC State. I am thrilled he has taken this opportunity, and I know he will help us continue to improve and deliver in this critical area,” Schwab said.

We look forward to the continued efficiency and high level of service his leadership will ensure in all facets of equal opportunity and equity at NC State.

Elizabeth Snively writes for the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity.