Home » Longtime expert hired to be UK’s 1st supplier diversity manager

Longtime expert hired to be UK’s 1st supplier diversity manager

Marilyn Clark

LEXINGTON, Ky.— The University of Kentucky has tapped a highly regarded expert in the local community to be its first supplier diversity manager as part of a long-term effort to bolster and strengthen ties to minority-owned businesses and vendors. Marilyn Clark began her work as UK’s first supplier diversity manager on Jan. 19, 2021, after more than five years with the Fayette County Schools in a similar role.

As part of the University of Kentucky’s plan to progress the institution toward diversity, equity, and inclusion, the university has created 17 projects in phase one of its campus-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) plan.

Included in this plan is Project 14, which seeks to expand UK’s supplier diversity procurement efforts. Led by Barry Swanson, UK’s chief procurement officer, a national search for a supplier diversity manager was conducted to ensure a dedicated focus for the effort.