AMHERST, N.Y. – Dr. Ida Gibson has been appointed director of diversity and inclusion at Daemen College, effective Oct. 31.

In this role, she will be responsible for creating and sustaining a campus culture that embraces and promotes diversity and inclusion, and will develop the vision for Daemen’s new Center for Diversity and Inclusion.

“I am pleased to have Dr. Gibson join the Daemen community to serve in this capacity,” said Dr. Greg Nayor, vice president for strategic initiatives. “Her knowledge and experience will be a great asset to our college as we continue to work to build a community that is inclusive for all individuals. There is no one better suited than Dr. Gibson to fill this important role.”

Most recently, Gibson was director of grants management in the Office of the City Administrator for the District of Columbia Government, where she helped develop the infrastructure and had oversight of more than 120 grants managers covering 40 different District of Columbia agencies. Prior to this, she managed policy and program decisions, research, and projects for the Richmond City Council.

“This is an exciting time at Daemen as the college looks to establish the new Center for Diversity and Inclusion on campus,” said Gibson. “I look forward to strengthening Daemen’s climate of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness by building bridges with students, faculty, staff, and administrators as well as the Buffalo Niagara community.

A native of LaGrange, Ga., Gibson earned a doctorate in higher education administration from Jackson State University, a master’s degree in public administration from Savannah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Georgia.

Her research interests and areas of teaching are in talent management, diversity initiatives, cultural competency, equity and access in public policy, and minority women in politics.