Chancellor’s commission addresses diversity, equity and inclusion
A collaborative and comprehensive effort to address issues of race, diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice is underway at East Carolina University.
Chancellor Philip Rogers created the Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in 2021. The commission, which began meeting in the fall, has formed its first subcommittee focused on the heart of ECU’s mission — student access and success. The subcommittee will be co-chaired by Ashley Walker, associate director for student programming in the Office of Campus Activities and Events, and Todd Fraley, associate dean of the Honors College and director of EC Scholars.
ECU’s cupola shines in the sun. (Photo by Cliff Hollis)
“As co-chair of the steering committee, I’m very pleased with the level of engagement from our members,” said Dr. Allison Danell, dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. “We have been learning not only about DEI in higher education, but more about the landscape here at ECU. Furthering the diversity of our employee and student bodies, ensuring equitable access to all opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging for each member of Pirate Nation should overlay everything we do and strive for at ECU. This systems approach to understanding DEI has helped us craft the membership roster and charge for our first subcommittee on student access and success.”
The commission will engage a broad set of constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, administrators, community members and trustees, to facilitate discussion about the historical and contemporary landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion at ECU.
The group will provide recommendations to address disparities, adjust policies and practices, and establish priorities that are aligned with the university’s mission, vision and values.
Before the winter break, the committee received a briefing on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education” provided by the Educational Advisory Board and developed a framework to launch the student access and success subcommittee.
Future subcommittees will focus on enhancing ECU’s campus climate and culture and developing systemic approaches in employee recruitment, success and retention. Work will continue through the 2022-23 academic year.
The commission’s website, https://deicommission.ecu.edu/, will provide updates, including the establishment of future subcommittees, community dialogue and input sessions, and recommendations.
Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee
- Co-Chair, Allison Danell, dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
- Co-Chair, Vince Smith, ECU Board of Trustees
- Irma Corral, assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, Brody School of Medicine
- LaKesha Alston Forbes, associate provost for equity and diversity and chief diversity officer
- Scott Francis, associate vice chancellor for alumni relations
- Grant Hayes, interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs
- Jeannine Hutson, chief communications officer
- Erik Kneubuehl, associate vice chancellor of student involvement and leadership
- Chris Locklear, chief of staff
- Purificación Martínez, chair of the faculty and associate professor of Hispanic studies
- Hector Molina, chair of staff senate and deputy chief information officer for ITCS
- Sharon Paynter, assistant vice chancellor for economic and community engagement
- Cindy Reaves, university program specialist for health sciences administration
- Rachel Rodriguez, director of student-athlete development
- Chandler Ward, SGA president
- Kitty Wetherington, chief human resources officer
- Ying Zhou, associate provost of institutional planning, assessment and research
Upcoming commission meetings
- Feb. 4, 9-10:30 a.m., Brody 1L32
- March 4, 8:30-10 a.m., Greenville Centre 1200
- April 1, 9-10:30 a.m., Brody 1L32
- May 12, 8:30-10 a.m., Greenville Centre 1200
Questions may be sent to deicommission@ecu.edu.