CDI introduces Darryl Mace as new vice president
By Jasmine White
AN African American, originally from Chester County, Pennsylvania, found himself breaking boundaries and setting up pathways for the next generation through his love of higher education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Darryl Mace, vice president of community engagement and belonging in the Center of Diversity and Inclusion, has his doctorate degree in history from Temple University.
Mace published his dissertation, “In Remembrance of Emmett Till,” in the University Press of Kentucky after years of waiting to hear back from the publisher.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Till was a young African-American boythat was accused of whistling at a caucasian man’s wife, causing a misconception of Till disrespectfully flirting, which lead to his lynching. Mace’s work highlighted the struggles of marginalized groups attempting to reach a point of freedom.
“It’s always good to have support [during the writing and publishing process],” Mace said. “Your ideas matter, even if someone says ‘I’m not going to publish that,’ just keep grinding.”
Deterred at first, Mace played the long game. After 3 years, he received word from the University of Kentucky that the university wanted to move forward with publishing his work.
Mace ventured to Rider after 16 years teaching at the now defunct Cabrini University in Pennsylvania and 3 years at Alvernia University, where he held the position of inaugural vice president for mission, diversity and inclusion. Rider President John Loyack was president of Alvernia at the time Mace was in his role.
“John Loyack was a big factor in [me coming to Rider] and that I really enjoyed working for him,” Mace said, while smiling. “It’s a tight knit community and the foundation is really strong here.”
According to Mace, though adversity is rising with President Donald Trump attempting to do away with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Mace believes that regardless of the challenge thrown in Rider’s direction, it will prevail and grow stronger, since its foundation in 1865.
“Rider has weathered the storm and Rider is going to keep weathering the storm,” Mace said. “Rider University is a place where students are able to come and get a high quality education and also experience a sense of community and connection that’s fundamental and foundational.”
Though it has only been roughly four weeks since Mace’s entry to Rider, Jasmine Johnson, the director of the CDI, acknowledged how easily Mace meshed with the center. “It feels like he has been here forever,” she said.
“He understands the importance of the center and making sure our students feel a sense of belonging here, so we’re aligned, which is a great thing, and working toward the same goal for our students and for our community,” Johnson said.
Johnson emphasized that Mace is going to be a key component for the CDI, adding more knowledge and opportunities for students, broadening the community engagement piece. Mace plans on helping students acquire internships and partake in learning experiences outside of campus, while partnering with other organizations around Lawrenceville.
Mace is excited to delve into Rider’s community and bring his ideas to life for the future of the CDI on Rider’s campus.
“One of my main jobs is to deepen Rider’s engagement with surrounding communities,” Mace said. “The world is a complex, diverse and really robust place, so we need to equip students with the tools to not just be successful on this campus, but to be successful as they move into their careers.”
