The final candidate for the position of vice provost for Diversity, Access and Equity met with faculty and students at an open forum yesterday at Baker University Center.

Damon Williams, the assistant vice provost for Multicultural & International Affairs at the University of Connecticut-Storrs, said he wants to take OU from good to great.

“I would do this work for free,” Williams said. “I am passionate about this work.”

Some of Williams’ goals include working to “get energy moving in the right direction.”

Williams said he wanted to try to get to know everyone on campus and conduct studies around campus before he made any big decisions. He also wants to do a review of strategic plans and programs already in place at OU, such as the Difficult Dialogues program — which helps freshmen discuss tough issues like religion.

Potential changes for students include orientation for new student leaders, an incentive fund, the development of independent initiatives, and a plan to learn what students find important.

Williams wants to work with the faculty in order to increase their knowledge and experience with diversity programs.He also expressed his commitment to finding funding in order to make the Office of Diversity, Access and Equity more self-sustainable.

“I feel like this is my Ohio University,” he said, adding that he wants to help the people of Ohio.

Williams expressed his desire to engage people all over campus before saying that OU has great potential right now to become a great center for diversity but that “it all comes back to the commitment and the will of the institution.”

Williams was the last of three candidates in the final stage of selection for the position. The vice provost will report to Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl, who will make a final decision after reviewing evaluations of each candidate.