Walter Caffey, Wheaton’s vice president for enrollment, dean of admission and student aid, has been named as the college’s inaugural NCAA athletics diversity and inclusion designee (ADID).
The NCAA announced the creation of the ADID role in August and has invited all colleges and universities to appoint a designee to represent the athletic department in receiving information as well as promoting efforts related to national, local and campus diversity and inclusion issues.
Wheaton College President Dennis M. Hanno appointed Caffey this week. “Walter Caffey has clearly demonstrated his passion and commitment for attracting great students to Wheaton and helping to create an inclusive environment for them here on campus. This new role will enable him to work closely with the Athletics Department to further ongoing work on diversity and inclusion. I know he will have a positive impact, Hanno said.
Caffey joined Wheaton as vice president for enrollment, dean of admission and student aid in the fall of 2019. Prior to coming to Wheaton, he was at the University of New Haven, where he served for four years as the vice president for enrollment management, excelling in student recruitment, institution-wide collaboration and student-centered strategic enrollment planning. Among his many accomplishments, he helped bring in the three largest classes in university history and was instrumental in developing programs that expanded support for first-generation and underrepresented students. We're incredibly excited that Walter has been appointed as our department's inaugural athletics diversity and inclusion designee,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Gavin Viano “Walter's vast experience in higher education as well as his experience within athletics as both an administrator and as a proud parent will be indispensable as we look to create meaningful and sustainable change related to diversity, equity and inclusion working collaboratively with our student-athletes and staff. We're grateful to Walter for his willingness to partner with us.
