Brian Buford is Assistant Provost for Diversity and Executive Director of the LGBT Center at the University of Louisville, Kentucky. With nearly 30 years of service to the university, Brian has dedicated his career to building a campus community where all students, faculty, and staff feel welcome, safe, and included. Key achievements under his leadership include: opening a staffed LGBT Center in 2007, the first of its kind in Kentucky; earning a five-star rating on the Campus Pride index; launching the Bayard Rustin themed housing community for LGBT students and allies, the first of its kind in the south; opening a satellite LGBT Center on the Health Sciences Center campus; partnering with community leaders on signature fundraising events; and being hailed by LEO Weekly as “the most LGBT friendly public university in the south.”
As Assistant Provost, Brian guides university departments in creating diversity plans and reviewing progress toward meeting diversity goals; develops and delivers diversity training; serves as chair of the Bias Incident Response Team; and advises the administration on campus climate issues and concerns. He serves the university through his adjunct faculty position in the College of Education, Educational and Counseling Psychology Department, and as a trainer/consultant for the Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning. In 2016, Brian was appointed to the National Diversity Advisory Council for the American Red Cross and also established a university scholarship for undocumented students. He provides training and consultation on LGBT inclusion for universities and organizations across the country.
Honors and achievements include: Student Activities Board Advisors Award, 2017; Ally Award, Transwomen National, 2015; Proclamation, Louisville Metro Council, 2014; Humanitarian Award, Association of Black Students, University of Louisville, 2013; Louisville Connector, Leadership Louisville, 2010; Outstanding Service Award, University of Louisville, 1996; Brian counts among his most treasured accomplishments a thru-hike of the 2,175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2007 and Spain’s 500-mile Camino de Santiago in 2012.
Brian uses he/him/his pronouns.
Kentuckiana Pride Foundation are very proud and honored to have Brian Buford representing Kentuckiana Pride Festival and PRIDE Parade this year.
The mission of the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation (KPF) is to provide a forum for creative expressions and education related to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community in the Louisville Metropolitan Area and to give back through charitable and in kind donations. We are at 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Don’t forget to check us out online at kypride.com and all social media.
To schedule an interview, please contact Todd Smith, Media Director via cell or text (502) 492-7381 or email at Todd.Smith@kypride.com
