Whitworth Names Joshue Orozco as Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Orozco joined the Whitworth faculty in 2009. He is currently the interim vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion and was appointed associate dean of diversity, equity & inclusion in April 2022. In that role he served as a liaison between the chief diversity officer, provost, deans and faculty.
“Joshue Orozco is held in the highest regard by the Whitworth community,” President Scott McQuilkin says. “He is known for his intellect, exceptional teaching, his collegiality, and his desire to see all students flourish at Whitworth. Joshue will be counted on to lead Whitworth’s vital work in diversity, equity and inclusion, through a commitment to and articulation of our Christ-centered mission, and in collaboration with campus faculty, staff and student partners.”
Orozco will report directly to the president and serve as a member of the president’s cabinet. In collaboration with division vice presidents, he will provide senior leadership over the development and implementation of all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to serve as Whitworth’s vice president for diversity, equity & inclusion,” Orozco says. “During this past year I have been constantly reminded of the great community we have at Whitworth. I have been surrounded by people whose deep commitment to Christ inspires them to to bring justice and equity to all people, and to make our university a place where everyone, regardless of background and identity, can flourish and belong. This work is difficult and ongoing, but I am committed to bringing a spirit of collaboration with all of our community members and am excited to help foster a culture where all people are seen and valued.”
Orozco is a professor of philosophy and is currently the philosophy department chair. In 2011, he received the Weyerhaeuser Center Award for Faith & Teaching. In 2013, he received the Academic Mentoring Award, and in 2021, he was granted a Weyerhaeuser Summer Fellowship.
Orozco earned his doctorate in philosophy from Rutgers University, his master’s in philosophy of religion from Biola University, and his bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and biology from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Orozco will begin his new position on March 1, 2023.
About Whitworth University:
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contacts:
Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.
