Mary A. De Souza has been named interim director of Cornell's Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO), Winnie F. Taylor, associate provost, has announced.
De Souza, whose appointment was effective July 3, joined OEO in 1980 and has been an assistant director since 1981. She replaces Valerie O. Hayes, who has taken a position as executive director of the Office of Affirmative Action at the University of Pennsylvania.
Taylor, who as associate provost is responsible for the OEO office, said a national search will be conducted for a permanent director.
"The Office of Equal Opportunity grew substantially under Valerie's leadership. We are grateful for her many years of service to the university community. Although we are sorry to see her go, we understand and respect her decision to move to a different, more urban environment to accept the challenges of a new position with another excellent university," Taylor said.
"We are pleased, however, to have such a capable person as Mary De Souza to act as interim director."
Taylor said she and De Souza had discussed future priorities for the office, including continuing efforts begun by Hayes to focus increased attention on affirmative action and the university's affirmative action plan.
"I am delighted to serve the Office of Equal Opportunity in this interim capacity," De Souza said.
De Souza is a 1974 graduate of Spelman College in Atlanta.
Hayes, who joined Cornell as associate director of OEO in September 1989, was named director of OEO in September 1993. She said it was hard to make the decision to leave Cornell.
"My experience at Cornell will be a valuable asset as I move on to the University of Pennsylvania," said Hayes, who started her new job Aug. 1. "I truly thank the many Cornell colleagues with whom I have worked over the years for sharing their insights, talents and efforts in helping the institution advance toward equal opportunity through affirmative action. In this spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, I look forward to leading and coordinating affirmative action and equal opportunity efforts at the University of Pennsylvania with the same vigor and commitment."