Kenneth Lehrman III has been appointed as Director of Affirmative Action Office and the Diversity Support and Education Center at Penn State.

His position at Penn State will begin July 1.

The Affirmative Action Office and Diversity Support and Education Center upholds Penn State's commitment to equal opportunity programs, facilities, admission and employment.

As director, Lehrman's responsibilities will include reviewing the university's affirmative action plan and its implementation, investigating discrimination complaints and serving as a resource to department heads and search committees to ensure racial, ethnic and gender diversity.

Lehrman is the director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity at the University of Oregon.

"My career has been devoted to identifying and eliminating barriers within higher education," Lehrman said in a prepared statement. "I am excited about coming to Penn State and collaborating with the faculty, administrators, staff and students."