Vernese Edghill-Walden has been named NIU’s first chief diversity officer.

The chief diversity officer will infuse diversity throughout the curriculum and help students attain cultural competency, among other duties, said Lisa Freeman, executive vice president and provost. Edgill-Walden, who is the provost and chief academic officer in the district office for the City Colleges of Chicago, will begin at NIU on Aug. 1.

“I think that Vernice is going to be a wonderful edition to our campus and to the community,” Freeman said.