Dr. Faye Cocchiara Appointed To Serve as Interim Chief Diversity Officer for A-State
JONESBORO — Dr. Faye K. Cocchiara, a faculty member since 2007, has been appointed interim chief diversity officer for Arkansas State University, announced Dr. Len Frey, vice chancellor for Finance and Administration.
Dr. Cocchiara joined the A-State College of Business faculty as assistant professor of management in August of 2007, and was promoted to associate professor in May 2012.
“Faye is an extraordinary faculty member who possesses a wealth of knowledge in diversity-related fields,” according to Dr. Frey. Her private sector human resource management experience with American Airlines/Sabre Corporation, coupled with her growing national reputation as a diversity scholar, prepare her to lead the university’s diversity efforts She has earned the respect of the faculty, staff, students and the administrative team and will undoubtedly excel in her new role.”
During the 1990s Dr. Cocchiara was human resource manager, SAP business partner and compensation consultant with American Airlines/Sabre Corporation prior to pursuing further education at the University of Texas at Arlington, where she earned Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Science degrees in human resource management and a Ph.D. degree in management.
The Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter (S-TAC) of the Arkansas State University Alumni Association gave Dr. Cocchiara a robust endorsement.
According to Jajuan Johnson, S-TAC president, “We believe Dr. Cocchiara’s long-time experience as a practitioner in the field of human resources and her scholastic works make her a prime candidate. She has worked diligently with Strong-Turner since her arrival at ASU, serving as a member of our scholarship committee and assisting in whatever capacity needed to advance our mission. She also has built goodwill in the Jonesboro community via her involvement with our organization.”
The Strong-Turner Chapter is named after Walter B. Strong and Frederick C. Turner, Arkansas State’s first African-American graduates. S-TAC has a primary goal of furthering the participation of African-American alumni in A-State activities that directly impact African-American students, alumni, faculty, staff and the community.
Dr. Cocchiara commented, “I am excited about this opportunity to partner with faculty, staff, and students to establish a comprehensive plan to move A-State forward and help position our university as one that truly values diversity in word and deed.”
The chief diversity officer guides efforts to conceptualize, define, assess, nurture, and cultivate diversity as an institutional and educational resource. The chief diversity officer develops and oversees programs, services, and initiatives designed to enhance the recruitment and successful retention of faculty, staff, and students from diverse and under-represented population groups. She also serves as liaison and develops partnerships within university committees to promote diversity as an essential element of the mission of the university, which is to educate leaders, enhance intellectual growth and enrich lives.
“As an institution, we value and celebrate diversity,” said Dr. Tim Hudson, chancellor. “As a leadership team, we know that our commitment to diversity is a part of our commitment to our students to offer them the very best possible learning experience. Dr. Cocchiara has the background and passion to lead and elevate diversity efforts at Arkansas State.”
Since joining A-State, Cocchiara has published numerous articles and book chapters and made presentations across the U.S. on the topic of management and diversity in the workplace.
She has twice been nominated for the “You Made the Difference” student advising award at A-State, and she is a recipient of the “Friends of Diversity Award.” She was selected as recipient of the 2011-2012 University Diversity Award for her contributions to diversity while at A-State.
# # #
