Ash Wilson named director of the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity

LAWRENCE — Ash Wilson has led strategic initiatives and been a champion for LGBTQ students since their arrival at the University of Kansas five years ago. Wilson will continue doing that and then some as they step into the role of director of the Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (SGD).

"I'm excited to join (the SGD) in their excellent work serving queer and trans students of all identities,” Wilson said. “Working to enhance and enact the mission, vision and pillars of the (SGD) in dynamic ways brings me to work each day.”

The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity advocates for livability, fosters wellness, critically educates and creates connections with and for LGBTQ students, faculty and staff alongside the broader KU community. Wilson started as director for the center Jan. 24.

Wilson will lead SGD’s efforts to provide social justice-based education, resources, programming and support that centers LGTBQ students at the intersection of identity.

“I look forward to establishing and furthering relationships with students, staff and faculty across the institution,” Wilson said. “In my three weeks in the center, it's clear we have a stellar staff dedicated to doing the hard work of transforming the campus for our QT community.”

Wilson serves as the president of Sexuality and Gender Diversity Faculty Staff Council (SGDFSC), representing constituent interests, organizing the executive board, and providing support to faculty and staff on campus. They also represent SGDFSC and communicate progress to external audiences, which includes the chancellor, provost and acting vice provost for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging.

“I am excited to welcome Ash to their new role,” said Kevin Joseph, assistant vice provost in Student Affairs. “Ash’s advocacy, campus and community engagement and strategic vision will prove beneficial to ensuring our QT students are supported and celebrated. I look forward to witnessing SGD’s continued growth under their leadership.”

Wilson came to KU in 2017 and served as an assistant director of Student Housing where they worked to support those most marginalized. Lewis Hall launched gender-inclusive housing in the 2017-18 school year, and Wilson was central to the project upon arriving at KU.

“I’ve worked with trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming students to find supportive and safe living arrangements,” Wilson said. “I helped adapt housing procedure to make housing assignments more inclusive, created various social programs to serve the QT population, as well as created educational opportunities to train 200-plus staff. Building a community, hosting social gatherings and being a model for the QT community has been a hallmark of my time here.”

Wilson completed their bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education from State University New York at Potsdam before obtaining their master’s degree in student affairs in higher education with a concentration in diversity, equity and cultures from Miami University. Wilson also earned a graduate certificate in women, gender and sexuality studies at KU while working in housing.