91²Ö¿â's Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion continues to work to create an environment here at 91²Ö¿â that is welcoming to all. Our division has recently undergone some organizational changes to better meet our objectives in serving our university community and working toward inclusive excellence. I am pleased to share these exciting changes with you.
Diversity and Inclusion Leadership
Led by Executive Director Dana Lawless-Andric, our division welcomes Ashley Williams as interim diversity research specialist. Other new appointments include E. Henderson Ellis as director for the Upward Bound Math Science Center and Upward Bound Public Health; Thomas Jefferson as interim director for the Upward Bound Classic Academy; Patty Robinson, assistant director, Upward Bound Public Health; Barb Johnson, administrative assistant; and Gloria Durman, special assistant for the Upward Bound Programs. Krystle Rivera and Jasmina Nolan continue to serve as academic coordinators for Upward Bound Classic and the Upward Bound Math and Science Center, respectively. Gaylen Moore serves as business manager for Upward Bound. Carmen Roberts continues his role as business manager for the division.
African-American, Latino American and Native American (AALANA) Initiatives
The new interim executive director for AALANA Initiatives and Student Multicultural Center is Keith Wisdom, Ph.D. Serving as assistant director for AALANA Initiatives is Oscar Ramos, and program coordinator is Trinidy Jeter.
Diversity Assessment and Research
Edward Collins, Ph.D., has been hired as director for Diversity Assessment and Research, with Gina Campana serving as special assistant.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Special Projects and Initiatives
Shana Lee has been appointed director for special projects and initiatives for the division effective Sept. 1, and will be responsible for the AmeriCorps VISTA program, Academic STARS, special events and community outreach. David Moore and Avery Danage are serving as VISTA members in the division.
Women and Gender Initiatives
The Women’s Center continues to thrive under Director Heather Adams and Assistant Director Cassie Pegg-Kirby, with newly expanded responsibility for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Student Center as part of our women and gender initiatives. Roxie Patton serves as coordinator for the LGBTQ Student Center, which is now located in 229 Schwartz Center to provide more space and resources to support our LGBTQ students and their allies. We have also established a new Office of Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS). Jennie O’Connell, who serves as coordinator for the university’s Sexual Assault Response Team, also will serve as coordinator for the new SRVSS office.
Diane Matasek continues to serve as assistant to the vice president, and will be joined by Kim Kennedy, who will serve as special assistant for the division.
Visit our website at www.kent.edu/diversity for more information about the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, including our programs and available resources. We would also like to invite the university community to meet our wonderful team and learn more about the efforts in our division. Please join us for our Fall Reception on Monday, Sept. 9, from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Kent Student Center Ballroom Balcony. This reception also will highlight the recently released Charting our Future, Equity Action Plan—our division’s five-year strategic plan. Copies will be available for senior leadership in attendance. Please plan to join us.
Thank you,
Alfreda Brown, Ed.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion