From the Vice President

FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT

Dear Stars,

As I wrap-up my first full academic year in this important role and reflect on this semester in particular, I am reminded that our community is undergoing meaningful and positive culture shifts already. For example, many are engaging deeply around bias and how it influences their day-to-day lives, some are intentionally using their privilege to advance change even when it feels difficult, and students are seeking opportunities to learn with the hope of making positive changes in their organizations. Engaging in any efforts that are diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice related requires unwavering commitment and to those of you already deep in that commitment, I thank you. The work we need and get to do together to create a more inclusive, just, diverse, and equitable community is expansive and you are key to the changes to come. Your openness and commitment are integral to how our university can shine brighter.

The conversations I’ve had with students, staff, faculty, and alumni have beenfruitful in so many ways and I am honored to be learning more about you andour community. The conversations you have with me are enlightening and Iappreciate the trust you’ve instilled in me. I invite you to continue to sharewhat your experiences, needs, fears, and hopes! In the meantime, it is mysincerest hope you are taking care of yourself in the best ways possible,learning from each other, and celebrating the good work you are doing on aregular basis.

Writer and activist, Audre Lorde shares that:

when we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard nor welcomed, but when we are silent we are still afraid, so it is better to speak.

Shining Light,

Talia Carroll, Ph.D. (she/her) Vice President for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion