How I Go Columbia: EdVenture’s John Dozier

As the inaugural chief diversity officer and senior associate provost for inclusion for the University of South Carolina, Columbia native and S.C. State University alum John H. Dozier is responsible for leading strategic diversity and inclusion efforts that are focused on creating learning, living and working environments that embody the university’s values.

Dozier also leads university efforts in connecting and engaging faculty research, scholarship and student learning interests with communities and community organizations throughout South Carolina. Those skill sets – creating diverse learning environments and connecting with community – are ones Dozier plans to put to use in his new role as chairman of the board of trustees for EdVenture Children’s Museum.

Prior to joining the staff at USC, Dozier spent 10 years with the City Colleges of Chicago serving as vice president of academic and student affairs for Kennedy-King and Wilbur Wright Colleges, chief information officer for the 120,000-student college district, and ultimately as president of Kennedy-King College.

Since returning home to Columbia five years ago, he has been recognized as one of Columbia’s 50 Most Influential People in 2013 and as an S.C. State University distinguished alumnus in 2015. He and wife, Victoria, have three children.

EAT: For me there is no place like home. I know that it sounds boring, but at home with family and friends – children playing in the yard, adults in the kitchen munching on whatever – is priceless and absolutely my favorite place to eat. That said, I have a family of adventurous eaters. Our favorite restaurant is Harambe Ethiopian – great food and a dining experience like few others in Columbia.

DRINK: Although born and raised in Columbia, my wife and I lived in Nashville for five years and in Chicago for 15. As such, I know what it’s like not being able to get your hands on a cold bottle of Cheerwine or Blenheim Ginger Ale – classic pops (excuse me… sodas) that you can only find in abundance here in South Carolina.

PLAY: One of the best things about living in Columbia is access to outdoor activities and the abundance of parks available to us. Whether cycling or running the rolling hills in Columbia and Irmo; tubing on the river; walking along the riverfront and along trails in our national parks; or having a picnic with the family on the USC Horseshoe, my family and I really enjoy being outdoors.

SEE: Once again, having lived in Chicago for 15 years, a simple pleasure that I can’t get enough of is how beautiful, clear and blue the sky is on a typical day; the beauty of dogwood trees blooming in the spring or as they begin to show their fall colors; or, the increasing diversity of people walking through USC’s campus as classes begin for the fall semester. Simple things, but each makes my heart sing.

LISTEN: I enjoy all kinds of music and Columbia is a great place with festivals that meet any interest – from Hip Hop Family Day to the Southern Guitar Festival and Competition. However, my favorite (place to listen to great music) is the Main Street Latin Festival. Who can stand still when a band strikes up a bachata or salsa tune?

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 6:53 PM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: EdVenture’s John Dozier."