Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Promoting inclusive excellence and belonging
What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 麻豆社?
The terms 鈥淒iversity Equity and Inclusion鈥� or 鈥淒EI鈥� have a variety of meanings. Here鈥檚 what we mean at 麻豆社:
By diversity, we mean valuing each individual person and the various perspectives, experiences, and characteristics that they bring to the community. OU does not place people into stereotyped categories but encourages people to share their own authentic stories.
By equity, we mean making sure every student has the opportunity for success. We aim to provide access to an excellent education, and do not tolerate any form of illegal discrimination.
By inclusion, we mean a community where every person can feel welcomed with kindness and curiosity as their full, authentic self.
Initiatives
Community Forums and Community Dialogues听
These forums aim to foster honest, open and continuous dialogue between all members of the 麻豆社 community.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center is many things all at once: a place to study or relax during the day, an event space, a place to learn or exchange ideas, a resource and a safe space.
Cornerstone DEI Webinars
Through CIC Belong Community, we offer quarterly webinars for staff and faculty. In these webinars issues of inclusivity and belonging are addressed, and practical approaches to addressing issues are discussed.听
Rhana Gittens Wheeler, Ph.D. 鈥� Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer
Colleen Donaldson 鈥� Human Resources Manager 鈥� Professional Development and Wellness
Kendra King Momon, Ph.D. 鈥� Associate Provost
Marisol Zacarias 鈥� Intercultural Center Director
Austin Rayford 鈥� Equity and Care Director
Vivian Medrano, Ed.D. 鈥� Student Success Director
Milana Thomas, Ph.D. 鈥� Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Anna Ziering, Ph.D. 鈥� Assistant Professor of Women鈥檚, Gender and Sexuality Studies
听
The DEI Cabinet leads efforts in inclusive excellence planning across campus.
Faculty members
Dr. Maura Dudley, Part-Time Lecturer, Biology
Dr. Gregory Gabriel, Lecturer, Chemistry
Dr. James Iredell, Lecturer of Core Studies
Dr. Christine McCulloch, Lecturer of Core Studies
Megan Murphy, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Krystal Ghisyawan, Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology
Dr. Emma Lynn, Assistant Professor of Communication and Film/Media Studies
Staff members
Valeri Cruz 鈥�23, Communications Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Ethan Hawkland, Assistant Director of Admission
Laronda Hollis, Assistant Director, Counseling Center
Elizabeth Peterson Jennings, Director, 麻豆社 University Museum of Art
Marisol Zacarias, Director, Intercultural Center
Brittany Foy, Campus Safety Officer
Phoebe Rushan, University Events Coordinator
Luetrell Langston, Assistant Director of Facilities
Hannah Roberts, Admissions Counselor
Student members
Melanie Merino Huitron
Matheus De Araujo
Jonathan Severe
Bushra Munair Ahmad
Jourdan Russell
Tunmise Salako
The Inclusive Excellence Committee, which coordinates efforts in mission-centered strategic planning, campus climate, and community partnerships, represents faculty, staff and students from across campus.
The Belong Community
We are a proud member of , a national network of independent colleges and universities dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments. Belong is developed by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Association of College and University Educators.
DEI Statement
At 麻豆社 University, we are committed to fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging for all members of our campus community. We work to craft educational opportunities that minimize inequities, dismantle barriers to participation and access, and continuously develop the essential skills to collaborate effectively across diverse perspectives.
We celebrate the distinctive qualities that shape our personal and cultural identities. We view the diversity of our students and employees as an invaluable asset and provide platforms for the community to champion issues that resonate with them. We strive to establish an environment where everyone within our campus community can show up as their authentic selves. As we cultivate connections, we work to advocate for each other鈥檚 needs and forge a united community that makes a positive global impact.
