A Higher Profile for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A longtime leader in the work of honoring the St. Ambrose University core value of diversity, Ryan Saddler has been appointed the university's first Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

"This is the right person and this is the right time for our university to redouble its efforts to become a more diverse campus while rejecting bigotry and exclusion," said Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD, president of St. Ambrose University.

Saddler graduated from St. Ambrose in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. He added a Master of Education degree with a Postsecondary Disability Services emphasis from St. Ambrose in 2006 and has worked at the university in multiple roles since 1995. Most recently he has served in the dual capacities of Director of Diversity and Director of the Accessibility Resource Center.

Saddler has led the university's Diversity Workgroup for a decade and believes his new position will help St. Ambrose more comprehensively and responsively address diversity challenges, issues and opportunities.

"I look forward to ensuring St. Ambrose is a place where diverse perspectives and populations are welcomed and embraced," he said. "All students, faculty and staff must have a sense of belonging."