Richmond is a welcoming and affirming community. In 2012, we were the first university in central Virginia to hire a dedicated staff member to provide programming and support for LGBTQ campus life.

That’s why we’re so excited that Lee Dyer is coming on board after a national search to continue the important work of promoting inclusion and understanding on campus. This May, Dyer joins UR’s staff as associate director of Common Ground, Richmond’s diversity, social justice, and community building initiative.

As associate director for LGBTQ campus life, Dyer will promote Richmond’s inclusive environment throughout the campus, as well as updating policies, trainings and developing connections among faculty, staff and administration.

Before his selection for this post, Dyer was the program coordinator at the University of Cincinnati LGBTQ Center, where he managed program development, outreach, and assessment. He also serves on the board of the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity.

“We were delighted that such a wide variety of members of our campus community participated in the search for this position," Common Ground Director Glyn Hughes said. “It showcases that our campus is invested in learning about and responding to the needs of the LGBTQ community, and we are confident Lee will continue that positivity."

UR was named one of seven "brave campuses for LGBTQ students in the South" in 2014 by The Advocate, and was the first university in the region to create nondiscrimination polices that include gender identity and expression, effective in 2011.

“I want to ensure queer, transgender and students of color feel like part of the fabric of LGBTQ campus life and the university,” Dyer said. “I want to bring all of the pieces together.”