John de Wit new Diversity Dean

Professor John de Wit will become the new Diversity Dean of Utrecht University. On 1 September 2023, he will take over the role from Janneke Plantenga, who is retiring. John de Wit: I want to bring staff and students together to make joint progress on diversity and inclusion.

Looking for connection

John de Wit is professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science. He has been a member of the EDI Steering Committee from the start and is actively involved in the Faculty EDI Committee. As the new Diversity Dean, John chairs the EDI Steering Committee, in which students and staff from all faculties, colleges and the Corporate Offices, advise the Executive Board, solicited and unsolicited. Together with programme manager Brigitte Prieshof, he leads the implementation of the EDI programme. 

I think it is very positive that younger generations are now giving words to issues we used to think of like: that’s just the way it is,” John says. “I like to contribute to finding solutions. That’s why I think the Diversity Dean position is so important. I want to connect with all faculties and parts of the university. Make sure the EDI theme is visible and embed it even better in the organisation.

“We must continue to see the importance”

Janneke Plantenga was appointed as Utrecht University’s first Diversity Dean in 2020. She held that role for more than three years alongside her deanship at the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance. During that period, progress has been made on key themes. Examples include target figures for female academics and EDI training courses. A rainbow bike path was realised and we participated in the Utrecht Canal Pride. In addition, much work has been done on a more diverse student intake and a more inclusive curriculum. Furthermore, extra places have been created for PhDs with a migration background. An advice focusing on gender and pronouns is currently being prepared.

John de Wit: We have evolved considerably, but that does not mean we can now sit back. We must continue to recognise the importance of structural attention to diversity and inclusion. What I think is important for the future, is support from the university and faculties to continue the EDI programme. To keep us on track. I feel this is widely recognised.

Ambitious goals

EDI programme manager Brigitte Prieshof: This spring, as part of the EDI midterm review, we spoke to several students and staff about how they evaluate the content, structure and communication of the EDI programme. It is nice to notice that the importance of the programme is widely seen. There are a number of themes that the involved students and staff think we should pay extra attention to in the coming years, such as inclusive education, neurodiversity and invisible disabilities, first generation students and diversity and inclusion in research.

She adds, The current programme ends in 2025, but there appears to be a need for continuation. Together with the new Diversity Dean, I look forward to working on all ambitious goals.