The next vice provost for diversity and climate at UW-Madison must put forth an effort to not only increase numbers of minority students on campus, but also to make diversity an experience for students while they attend the university.

Among the candidates for the position, Kenneth Durgans’ past experience sets him apart from the others. His work focuses on making campuses more diverse but also on emphasizing the human aspect of diversity.

Although Seema Kapani has worked at UW-Madison and developed the Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity program, her work concentrates on the institution rather than the student experience.

Durgans’ experience as a professor and dean can only open the diversity conversation to students rather than keeping it within the confines of Bascom Hall.

Durgans held a similar position at Xavier University where he quadrupled the faculty diversity. Durgans’ qualifications and work far exceed the other candidates and can only positively impact diversity at UW-Madison.

The university should select Kenneth Durgans for vice provost for diversity.