Marques Dexter has been named assistant director of student initiatives within the Office of Institutional Diversity at the University of Georgia, effective Jan. 4.
Dexter will continue the work he started as a graduate assistant in the Office of Institutional Diversity, creating and organizing programming supporting UGA students from underrepresented backgrounds.
“We are incredibly excited and fortunate to have Marques join the leadership team in the Office of Institutional Diversity. He brings the background, expertise, passion and innovation that will enable us to make incredible advances in the support of students at UGA, both undergraduates as well as graduate and professional students,” said Michelle Garfield Cook, vice provost for diversity and inclusion and strategic university initiatives
“Marques has done amazing work within the Office of Institutional Diversity, and I am thrilled that he has joined our team in this new capacity. He is a student-centered professional with a deep understanding of our institution and a drive to continuously increase diversity and inclusion within our student population,” added Dominique Quarles, director of diversity and inclusion
As assistant director of student initiatives, Dexter will manage student access, support and success programs such as Georgia Daze, Movimiento Latino, RISE Scholars and the Georgia African American Male Experience program. Dexter said that he also looks forward to forging new campus partnerships and creating more visibility for these programs on campus and beyond.
In addition, Dexter plans to expand and refine the student initiatives portfolio in the near future.
“I am humbled and excited to transition into the assistant director of student initiatives’ role within the Office of Institutional Diversity. Many thanks to Dr. Dominique Quarles and Vice Provost Dr. Michelle Cook for entrusting me to provide direction for our institution’s efforts in supporting its underrepresented students,” Dexter said.
“Over the coming months, I look forward to refining the programs under the portfolio while also connecting with campus and community partners to enhance and progress the great work they are engaging in. As an alumnus and soon-to-be Double Grad Dawg, I am thrilled to be part of the collective endeavors to cultivate a campus that centers diversity and inclusive excellence at the core of its mission,” he said.
Dexter began his professional journey at Robert Morris University where he earned his undergraduate degree. There he held various leadership positions assisting NCAA student athletes and also served as the university’s first student government officer of color when he won the election for SGA vice president. Dexter continued his work with students at SUNY Cortland, the Art Institute of Atlanta and finally at the University of Georgia, where he held positions as an instructor, academic advisor, career services advisor, graduate research assistant and graduate teaching assistant. In each of these roles, Dexter worked with students of diverse backgrounds and found passion in that work.
He has spent the past three years in the Office of Institutional Diversity at UGA working as a graduate assistant. In this position, he has fostered strong relationships with underrepresented students through coordinating the Georgia African American Male Experience Program, which focuses on the enrollment, retention and graduation of African American male students at UGA.
Dexter is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in kinesiology at the University of Georgia, expected to be completed in May 2021. He received his M.S. in kinesiology with a specialization in sport management and policy at UGA, and earned his B.S. in business administration from Robert Morris University.