The Neeley School of Business is making changes with diversity in mind by appointing a director for inclusive excellence.

Ann Tasby, an instructor of accounting, will serve as Neeley’s inaugural director for inclusive excellence.

Tasby, who is also a faculty liaison for TCU’s National Association for Black Accountants and the TCU Accounting Career Awareness Program, will develop and lead a school-wide inclusive excellence strategy, framework, activation and accountability system for historically underrepresented students.

Part of the strategy includes a recruitment and retention plan for diverse faculty and staff to enrich the academic experience and culture of connection within the business school.

Neeley Dean Daniel Pullin wrote in an email he is “confident in Tasby’s ability to make a substantial and noticeable difference based on her success in Inclusive Excellence areas of TCU Neeley already.”

Tasby joined TCU in 2017 as an accounting instructor with more than 20 years of professional experience helping Fortune 500 companies successfully mitigate business risk, reduce operating costs and improve business processes. Throughout her career, Tasby has served as a leader for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives throughout her career and served on nonprofit boards. 

Pullin also said Tasby’s vision will prepare students to be “culturally competent, global citizens we need for today’s complex and uncertain world.”

Tasby wrote in an email her initial goals with this position include “student success through mentoring, job placement support and development of inclusive programs, faculty and staff development and corporate and alumni engagement through establishing an external advisory board and support community partnerships.”

She wrote her position represents the dedication of Neeley to cultivate well-rounded professionals who are prepared to be effective in the global economy.

“We are deliberately checking to make sure all voices are heard and respected,” Tasby wrote. “I am personally fully committed to the adventure ahead and determined to create a ‘Brave Zone’ where ALL voices will be valued.”