The Division of DEI is excited for Tabitha Wiggins, Director of the Center of Inclusive Academic Excellence, on her appointment to the Assistant Vice President for Campus Inclusion and Community (CIC) at Northwestern University.
A Chicago, IL native, Tabitha is returning home to serve as a key member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT) and oversee the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, Multicultural Student Affairs, Religious and Spiritual Life, Social Justice Education, and Student Enrichment Services units.
“Tab has been a rock at the University of Iowa. Her passion, commitment, and caring for our students will be missed,” stated executive officer and associate vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Liz Tovar. “Tab’s impact on our university can be seen in the success of our CIAE students beyond graduation. We could not be more excited to see her advance her career into a greater leadership role at a fantastic B1G institution.”
For over 12 years, Tabitha has developed a sustainable full-time staff model for the cultural centers at the University of Iowa. Wiggins has not only served on multiple committees but has led several as well. Most notably, the Multicultural Committee within the OnIowa! Program, the Obermann Working Group for Deliberative Dialogue, the Student Success Team, the Reimagining Campus Safety Action Committee, and oversaw the implementation of the Young, Gifted, and Black Living Learning Community alongside the student Founders of the community.
Tabitha Wiggins has impacted thousands of UI students through work in academic coaching, managing the Fall and Spring High School Youth Summits, and her leadership in building the Iowa Edge program.
The Iowa Edge program has grown from a four-day campus transition program to a four-year mentorship program open to all students, emphasizing African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latina/o/x, first-generation, and LGBTQ+ college students.
Wiggin’s last day at the University of Iowa will be January 2, 2024.
