Vice President for Human Resources Manuel Cuevas-Trisán will leave Northwestern at the end of July to assume a similar position at Harvard University, according to a Wednesday news release.

Priya Harjani, associate vice president and deputy general counsel, will temporarily replace Cuevas-Trisán following his departure. Harjani, who also served as the position’s interim before Cuevas-Trisán’s hiring, is not a candidate for the permanent post. 

Vice President for Operations Luke Figora will oversee the nationwide search to fill the vacant position. The University will share more information soon, the release stated. 

Cuevas-Trisán joined the University in December 2019, overseeing social justice initiatives and other campus-wide programs. He said the decision to leave was difficult for him and his family, and that he is grateful for University senior leadership. 

“My human resources team has laid the foundation for inclusive excellence throughout the employment life-cycle, improved standards of service, investment in talent development and collaboration across administrative and academic units,” Cuevas-Trisán said in the release.

Among other achievements, Cuevas-Trisán contributed to the recently announced Diverse Slates Candidate Policy, which requires search committees and interview panels to include diverse memberships and collaborations. 

Under Cuevas-Trisán’s leadership, the Office of Human Resources modernized its strategic plan, the release stated. He was also involved in efforts to select several senior University leaders as well as in the formation of the inaugural Office of the Ombudsperson. 

Craig Johnson, senior vice president for business and finance, said Cuevas-Trisán made significant contributions to the NU community. 

“Manuel’s legacy will be a more equitable University for all those who work and learn here, particularly through his leadership in social justice initiatives,” Johnson said in the release. “I am proud of all he has accomplished on behalf of our employees and Northwestern. We wish him and his family well at Harvard in the fall.”

Email: [email protected]

Related Stories:

— Robert Brown named Medill’s inaugural director of diversity, equity, inclusion and outreach

— Penn State Law dean Hari Osofsky to serve as dean of Pritzker starting August

— Kelly Mayo appointed dean of Northwestern’s The Graduate School