The Free Library Names Dr. Guy Sims Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

By Administrator RSS Mon, December 7, 2020

The Free Library of Philadelphia has appointed Dr. Guy Sims as its full-time Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, effective December 14.

Guy brings experience as Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Bluefield College during his seven years at the school, where he now serves as Dean of Students. He has also participated and led community-building committees, commissions, and programs throughout his career.

"We are excited to welcome Guy Sims to our team at the Free Library, and are eager to include his voice and experience in our policies and decisions as we create a new path forward for the institution, our staff, and our patrons," said Leslie M. Walker, Interim Director of the Free Library. "This is only one step toward addressing the systemic racism that exists within our organization that has hurt so many members of our team, but we are confident that Guy will be a strong leader as we take further action together."

In the role of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Guy will plan and advise the Director and Executive Leadership Team on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and foster a culture of inclusivity within that workforce. He will collaborate with Library management to create, implement, and monitor programs designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all staff.

Guy will become Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee, a sub-committee of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Board of Trustees, and will serve as staff liaison to the Board of Trustees Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

"The work of inclusion and diversity is difficult but not daunting. It requires the work of all of the members of a community," Guy said. "I look forward to joining the Free Library community to create, advance, and support an environment of mutual respect, leadership, collaboration, entrepreneurialism, and innovation, and to ensure our policies support the principles of an inclusive and diverse community."

The Free Library’s search for a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer was conducted with participation from an interview committee, which included board members as well as staff selected using a rubric to ensure equitable representation across union membership and the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, job class position, age, race, and gender.

"We wanted to ensure that members of our staff had a voice in the selection of the Diversity and Inclusion officer, and together we came to the conclusion that Guy’s experience in overseeing diversity and equity initiatives and his work with academic and community organizations made him a perfect fit for the Free Library," said Sade A. Olanipekun-Lewis, Co-Chair of the Free Library Board of Trustees’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Before his most recent position at Bluefield College, Guy served as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at Virginia Tech, consulted on Program Review and Diversity Enhancement at the University of Northern Iowa, and worked in the admissions offices in several colleges. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Lincoln University, a Master in Education in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University, a Master of Arts in Human Behavior from National University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Iowa University. He hails from the Mount Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, where he lived before working with educational institutions across the country.


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Congratulations Dr. Sims!!!
Charles Robinson - Waldorf, MD
Monday, December 7, 2020

Guy Congrats! I am confident that you are the Man for this position! Your stellar education and experience will surely be a benefit to these new roles. Great news, so proud of you!
Leslie Charlene Robinson Brown - Philadelphia PA
Monday, December 7, 2020

Congratulations Guy. No doubt you will do an outstanding job. So great to hear this news!
Jan Hanish - Iowa
Monday, December 7, 2020

Dr. Guy, may God bless you on your new appointment!
Pat M-Harrison - Newark
Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Congratulations Dr. Guy Sims. So very proud of you. Lincoln Pride!!!
Ditra Scruggs - Owings Mills
Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Dr. Guy Sims congratulations on your new job. God bless you my brother.
Dianna Jefferson - Colwyn, PA
Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Dr Guy sims you are definitely the right candidate for this position. You were always in volved in undergrad Lincoln University pa i was a student there when you were sga president. Congratulations the library will be very pleased with your work .
Angela cotten monroe - Wyncote pa
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Hello My name is Jim Blissitt III. I am looking to submit my self published children's book to the library. Please explain the consideration and submission process. Additional information about my book may be found at www.basketballallnight.com See Children's Book digital copy attached This book explores a young boys use of basketball on his journey to becoming the 44th President of the United States. This inspirational children's book is a hidden gem that tackles some of the difficult issues kids face today like absent parents, divorce and fitting in. This is a story of how a young boy turned to the beloved game of basketball to help him cope with life's struggles and to ultimately excel and succeed. Cleverly written with a rhyme scheme kids love, this captivating story is brought to life with vivid, imaginative artwork. This is a must have for classroom teachers or your own child's book collection! Review by Billie Moore, Chicago Public Schools Educator, District administrator ---------------- Product details Item Weight : 4.5 ounces Paperback : 39 pages ISBN-10 : 1095098705 ISBN-13 : 978-1095098707 Publisher : Independently published (September 12, 2019) Dimensions : 7 x 0.1 x 10 inches Language: : English
Jim Blissitt III
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Welcome Dr. Sims.
Julien Kane - Philadelphia
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Congratulations Guy, you never cease to amaze me. Always proud to have grown up with you "Proud" Mt. Airy forever!!
Richard Keitt jr. - Phila, pa
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Congratulation Dr Sims! I'm sure you will make a positive impact.
Carolyn M Young - Retired University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Ia
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Congrats frat. Very happy for you and your family. Blessings and keep striving for success! Very proud of you!
Ryan Williamson - Iowa
Wednesday, December 9, 2020

Congratulations Dr. Guy Sims! A great choice for an important position. I know you will do a fantastic job for the Library of Philadelphia and the city! Hail hail Lincoln!
Bruce Benson - Yeadon, Pa
Thursday, December 10, 2020

Congratulations Dr. Sims May GOD continue to guide you with another BIG stepping stone in your life in leading , directing , and guiding others for many more years to come. GOD BLESS YOU.
Cavounda Taylor - Waterloo
Thursday, December 10, 2020

Congratulations, Good Doctor Sims!! I know any organization will benefit from your presence, energy, and observations. Thank you for kicking my butt all those years ago at Hampton.
Julie Martinez Hayes - now in Clayton NC, near Raleigh (from Hunterdon County, NJ)
Thursday, December 10, 2020

Welcome, Dr. Sims!
Kim Bravo - Philadelphia PA
Friday, December 11, 2020

So proud of you!!! May God continue to bless you in the years to come.
Monique Walker - Atlantic County NJ
Friday, December 11, 2020

Congratulations Dr. Guy Sims!
Dee Bailey-Gittens - Oceanside, CA
Saturday, December 12, 2020

Dr. Guy Sims will be an asset for sure. He is a terrific human being and a person I have come to love and respect. He speaks from his heart and walks with integrity all ways. You are blessed for sure!
Dr. Pamela Y. Keye - Philadelphia
Thursday, December 17, 2020

Congrats to you in making this move. I always enjoyed our conversations at BSC - especially about your family. I possible give me a summary of your family. I know you enjoy being closer to your son and daughter. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Jim Schlimmer - Savannah
Monday, December 21, 2020

Welcome Brother Dr. Sims. This is an awesome family your joining. I know you are going to do great things here! Michael Rabb
Michael Rabb - Central
Tuesday, December 22, 2020

MY FATHER TOLD ME THEY'LL BE DAYS LIKE THIS (KNOW YOUR STORY) (A Course Supplement?) I kept telling people about my father no one believed me know your story he would say under stand why you succeed me I remember in school I kept investigating my history the teacher scornfully said "you don't have any history" the day finally came we went on our springtime class trip sight seeing our regions genius building construction my head kept stretching back not giving up on wanting to see the tallest steeple I asked the guide about black history she responded black people's sole purpose on earth was to serve white people When I look at my history the attempts to keep me in the dark the removal of certain pages from the textbook were no different than cutting out of my heart I kept telling people about my father if ever there was a man the National African American History Museum became my miraculous heart transplant Prose & Poetry for Meaningful Connections: History and Education theolympian More Information can be found on Amazon.
Robert Gainey - Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, July 15, 2023