Hilson Named as Director of Multicultural Academic Relations

Wayne J. Hilson, Jr. serves as Director of Multicultural Academic Relations in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).

Wayne received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and upon graduation went to work as a technical professional for Johnson Controls, Inc. with stints in Indianapolis and Chicago. Prior to his new position, Wayne was full-time director of the Teacher’s Resource Center for Math & Science Education (TRC) in the Indiana University (IU) School of Education at IUPUI. Preceding his stint as TRC director, he served as assistant and later interim director of Minority Engineering Programs (MEP) at Purdue University. During that time, he completed his M.S. in Education from Purdue with an emphasis in College Student Personnel.

In addition to his professional activities, Wayne is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the IU School of Education with a concentration in Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) and a minor in Mathematics Education. He is intrigued by issues associated with the interplay of race and career identity development (particularly within the field of engineering), leadership development in P-16 engineering education, multiracial/ethnic group dynamics in university academic settings, organizational development of minority college student organizations, career identity development in collegiate athletes, as well as community outcomes associated with university engagement activities.