Poole College Announces Tayah Butler as the First Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

NC State Poole College of Management has announced the appointment of Tayah Butler as the college’s first assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for students, faculty and staff. Butler previously served as the director of DEI since January 2021.

Butler’s role as assistant dean will partner with the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity and Poole College leadership to cultivate an environment that values and demonstrates commitment to DEI. She will review practices, processes and structures across programs and functions to identify needed improvements towards achieving the goals of the DEI strategic plan.

“I am excited to elevate the work around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to a strategic level for the college to cultivate an inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff,” said Frank Buckless, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean. “Over the last several years, Tayah has helped guide Poole on this important journey and I look forward to seeing us grow and flourish to be an example for all of us to celebrate.”

“Over the last several years, Tayah has helped guide Poole on this important journey and I look forward to seeing us grow and flourish to be an example for all of us to celebrate.”

Butler has been instrumental to the college developing best practices for diversity and inclusion across the college and introduced the Diversity and Inclusion Hub to Nelson Hall. She has been with the college since 2016 previously serving as the director of DEI for the Office of Undergraduate Programs. ​​Her undergraduate responsibilities were to work with each student service area of undergraduate programs to implement inclusive practices and programs.

“This step of institutionalizing the role as an assistant dean demonstrates Poole College leadership and dedication to the importance of creating a community where diversity can, and will, thrive,” said Butler. “Thus putting us ahead of our peers when creating future business leaders.” 

Butler holds a Master of Arts in business from Pacific Lutheran University she earned in 2002. Additionally, she received Bachelor of Arts in political science, Spanish and Latin American studies.