Mercer Times

Andy Cofino has joined Princeton University as the inaugural assistant vice president for diversity, belonging, and well-being in the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life, reporting to Vice President W. Rochelle Calhoun.

Cofino brings over 15 years of diversity and inclusion experience to the University, notably serving from 2013-18 as the program coordinator at Princeton's LGBT Center (now part of the expanded Gender + Sexuality Resource Center).

“This new position underscores Princeton’s commitment to cultivating a campus culture where every student feels valued and heard, and Andy’s exceptional background and commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments makes him the ideal leader for this vital role,” says Calhoun. “We remain eager about the impactful work Andy will accomplish, driving forward initiatives that will benefit not only our students but the entire University community.”

As assistant vice president for diversity, belonging, and well-being, Cofino is responsible for providing a vision and guidance for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the campus life division as well as contributing to the University's diversity initiatives.

“I’m thrilled to be back at Princeton and be able to provide support and leadership for diversity, belonging, and well-being efforts across Campus Life and in collaborative initiatives across campus,” says Cofino. “Now that I’ve had time to meet with many students, staff, and faculty, I’m excited to work with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) team to build a path forward during this critical and challenging time.”

Cofino returned to Princeton in January 2024 after working as the director of the LGBTQ Campus Resource Center and Volunteer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Alongside his impactful work at Princeton, he serves as a co-core member for transgender inclusion for the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators (NASPA) and on the board of trustees for Dorothea’s House, an Italian American cultural institution in Princeton.

Cofino earned a bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies from Pace University and a master’s degree in LGBTQ studies, social justice, and creative writing at New York University. He is currently completing an MBA at the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.