Committee Vision
Create and sustain a civil and robust dialogue about the value of diversity and inclusivity within the faculty and staff community.
Definition of Diversity
A diverse faculty and staff community refers to colleagues of varied social identities, abilities, and experiences, with an explicit focus on representing identities that have been historically underrepresented in academia and oppressed by systems of power and privilege.
Definition of Inclusion
Inclusion is defined as active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with, and empowerment of, individuals of diverse identities and backgrounds within university processes, activities, and decision-making. Inclusion is a practice of valuing and seeking diversity.
Relevance to St. Edward’s University
Per the St. Edward’s University mission, we are committed to providing educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational, and economic backgrounds. Further, as stated in our Operating Principles, we value the diversity on our campus and commit to understanding and promoting such diversity. One particularly salient consideration in meeting these university-wide goals is to have a diverse faculty who helps students broaden both their national and international perspectives and enhance the possibilities for personal and institutional growth such diversity provides.
Committee Membership
This is open to any faculty or staff member who wishes to volunteer to serve, including non-tenure-track full-time and contingent faculty. However, at least five members must be present to constitute a quorum.
Current Members
Andrea Holgado (co-chair), Teri Varner (co-chair), Dinah Kinard, Fidelma O’Leary, Jason Callahan, Jeanetta Williams, Jennifer Jefferson, Kerrie Taylor, Santiago Toledo, Lakisha Barrett, Teresita Garza, Tim Appignani, Kadie Rackley, Cristina Thornell, Lance Bennett, Natalie Beck, Steven Flecher, Laurie Cook Heffron, Rebecca Thompson, Lauren Mitchell, Emily Bernate, Sasha West, Stephen King, Angela Ju, Moira Martin, and Aneasha Lawrence.
Co-chairpersons
Andrea Holgado (Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences),
Teri Varner (Communication, School of Arts and Humanities),
Sub-Committees
1. Systemic Racism
Subcommittee members: Kerrie Taylor, LaKisha Barrett, Natalie Beck, Rebecca Thompson (tentative), and Jennifer Jefferson.
2. Proposal for Faculty Senate
Subcommittee members: Steven Fletcher, Teri Varner, Tim Appignani, Teresita Garza, and Sasha West.
3. The Identify A Clear Channel For Faculty To Document And Report Discrimination Without The Fear Of Retaliation & Acting On Recruiting And Hiring Faculty Of Color Committee
Subcommittee members: Fidelma O’Leary, Lance Bennett, Kerri Taylor, Andrea Holgado, Emily Bernate, Santiago Toledo, Tim Appignani, LaKisha Barrett, Cristina Thornell, Teri Varner, and Kadie Rackley.
Ways to Get Involved
- Join the Committee
- Seek mentorship
- Promote attention to diversity and inclusion in your coursework and at the departmental, school, and university levels.
- Suggest diversity and inclusion topics for professional development opportunities.
Quotes from Members
“Being a member of a group which holds diversity as a value has added to my faculty experience complete.” -Anna Escamilla, Social Work
“This committee holds the important role of ensuring that SEU continues to focus on ways to improve the diversity, inclusion, and equality of the faculty body.” -Kelly E. Green, Psychology