Clarence Vaughn III joined the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business as director of diversity and community relations in early April. He takes the reins from Tyvi Small, who was elevated to UT’s vice chancellor for diversity and engagement.

Vaughn will provide strategic leadership in creating an integrated vision and shared responsibility for facilitating the college’s diversity goals and for fostering and supporting a campus culture that respects and appreciates individual differences. Through collaboration with offices across the college and university, he will advance diversity and inclusion in the university’s research and educational missions, creating a welcoming environment for students, faculty and staff.

Vaughn joins an office of skilled and devoted staff, which includes Nayasha Farrior (assistant director for academic support and partnerships), Pamela Sanchez (coordinator for retention and education), Monica Thompson (coordinator for outreach and pre-collegiate programs), Anderson Olds (coordinator of diversity initiatives), and Donna Collier (program and administrative specialist).

Stephen L. Mangum, dean of the college and Stokely Foundation Leadership Chair lauded Vaughn’s hiring as an important element in furthering the college’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. 

“Clarence will guide the diversity and community relations team and serve as a key member of our college’s leadership,” Mangum says. “He will work with the college and other stakeholders, playing a critical role in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement throughout the college.”

Vaughn earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Florida A&M University and an MBA in organizational management from the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

He previously served as executive director of the Police Advisory Review Committee for the City of Knoxville. Through an independent review of police action, Vaughn worked to strengthen relations between Knoxville’s police officers and the citizens they serve. Before working for the city, he had a distinguished career in banking, including serving as director of diversity and inclusion with U.S. Bank.

Vaughn has strong connections and opportunities for outreach throughout the Knoxville community. He chairs the Knoxville Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission and is a board member of the Knoxville Botanical Garden, Helen Ross McNabb Center and the National Association of Civil Oversight for Law Enforcement. He also is a current member of UT’s Chancellor’s Associates.

CONTACT:

Scott McNutt, business writer/publicist (865-974-3589, rmcnutt4@utk.edu)