Dr. Braddix Promotes Inclusivity for STLCC

LYDIA Howden STAFF WRITER

In July of 2022, STLCC welcomed Dr. D’Andre Braddix onto the team as the executive director of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ever since, he said he has been striving to make differences on campuses behind the scenes.

As someone with more than 15 years of experience in higher education, Braddix said he has an authentic passion for his work. “I am motivated by being of service to others. Any time I’m able to help people meet their goals, whether they be personally or professionally…and seeing other people thrive and complete what they set out to do,” he said.

various issues that the average person may not fully be aware of that can lead to people not feeling included or valued or be able to continue with their employment or education.”

With Black History Month coming up, he is supporting ways to further diversify the workforce. 73% percent of our faculty identify as white, while only 27% of them identify as people of color. 56% of staff identify as white and 44% as people of color. “We want to close those gaps,” said Braddix.

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To provide an example of the type of work Braddix is a part of, on Jan. 24, the cabinet approved for students to be able to put their preferred name into the system. Previously, if a student chose to do this, the system they put it into did not “speak to the other systems,” Braddix said. This also includes employees being able to put in preferred names, which was not a system put in place before now.

This is a big victory for any students or employees with preferred names, especially those who are trans or nonbinary, said Braddix. He said he appreciates that in his current position, he can help to “shed light on issues and experiences that are often overlooked by others” and aide in “spotlighting

He said that he loves to interact with students, too. Braddix participated in welcome back events for Meramec. “That’s my jam right there,” he said. He said he loves any given opportunity to speak face-toface with those on campus and as his office expands, he will be confronted with that ability more often. He said he hopes that this summer, his office will be able to expand, as there are “more ideas than time to execute.” In addition, Braddix said that he has a “litany” of things he would love to see happen at the college that can happen much quicker without the burden of this being a one-person job.

People do not see the full extent of the endeavors Braddix has been managing behind the scenes. Some aspects of his job involve “cleaning up” systems, and many wins go unheard of, even if they directly impact students on campus. He said he wants students to know that inclusivity is an ongoing effort and that we have to work together. If there are any concerns, he insists that he wants to be informed, as he cannot fix what he does not know about.

According to Braddix, “there will always be a divide between student and advisor,” and he wants there to be open communication to close that divide. Braddix said his favorite part of the job is broadening inclusivity in areas of opportunity. “That fulfills me. Addressing those opportunities.” He wants students to feel “seen, respected, valued, and heard. Like you belong. I’m behind the scenes working to make that happen,” said Braddix.