John Gardner, Deputy and Special Assistant to the President, discusses his role:

The functions of the position are related to outreach and diversity and encompass the promotion of DRI diversity at state, national, and international levels.

The primary purpose is reinforcing the Institute’s diversity program of opportunities in world-class research using current and future relationships in higher education, industry and the private sector, under the direction of the President and the Institute’s charter.

The outreach/diversity position requires concentrated focus to stimulate the interest of diverse qualified candidates seeking the coveted educational and employment opportunities at Desert Research Institute.

The duties of the Assistant to the President are expanded with the creation of new and larger challenges facing the growth of the Institute and its new facilities.  The Assistant to the President role includes, but is not limited to, involvement in diverse professional organizations and community relationships with minority chambers and state-wide educational partners.  The ability to promote the Institute’s world-class research is the highest priority both to the state and the national community of underrepresented higher education populations.