University Council on Diversity and Inclusion Members Announced

New University-wide council among 18 short-term recommendations made by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion

At the recommendation of the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion, Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the creation of a new University-wide Council on Diversity and Inclusion. Establishing the council was one of 18 short-term recommendations made by the workgroup last spring.

“I remain grateful to the members of the workgroup for their hard work on behalf of the University. We are a better Syracuse today because of their efforts,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I look forward to collaborating with the new council to further build on the workgroup’s great work as we collectively seek to create a more diverse and inclusive campus community.”

The new Council on Diversity and Inclusion will serve as the primary advisory committee to Chancellor Syverud on matters of diversity and inclusion and will also serve as a resource to academic and administrative units. The council will be responsible for reviewing and advising on critical diversity and inclusion matters, including, but not limited to, issues related to campus climate; implementation of recommendations from the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion; and additional steps related to enhancing the diversity of students, faculty and staff.

The council will include representation from relevant offices, programs, schools and colleges, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The members are:

• Tammy Bluewolf-Kennedy, admissions counselor/Native American liaison;
• Pat Burak, director of the Slutzker Center for International Services;
• Maureen Casey, chief operating officer of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families;
• Pedro Castro Jr., Historically Black Church chaplain, Hendricks Chapel;
• Shiu-Kai Chin, professor in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and vice chair of the Board of Directors of InterFaith Works of Central New York;
• Francine D’Amico, associate professor in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and chair of the Senate Committee on LGBT Concerns;
• James Duah-Agyeman, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and chair of the University Senate Committee on Diversity;
• Bea González, dean of University College and special assistant to the Chancellor;
• Tiffany Gray, director of the LGBT Resource Center;
• Margaret Himley, associate provost of international education and engagement;
• Aaron Hodukavich, director and ADA coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services;
• Sheila Johnson-Willis, interim chief, Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer;
• Peta Long, Graduate Student Organization representative (vice president of external affairs);
• Paula MacDonald, associate director for organizational development and training
• Angela Morales-Patterson, assistant director for alumni and donor engagement in the Office of Program Development;
• Paula Marie Possenti-Perez, director of the Office of Disability Services;
• LaVonda Nichelle Reed, associate provost for faculty affairs;
• Diasia Robinson, Student Association representative (diversity officer);
• Christabel Sheldon, director of the McNair Program;
• Barry L. Wells, special assistant to the Chancellor;
• Diane R. Wiener, director of the Disability Cultural Center; and
• Bob Wilson, director of Student Support Services.

Today’s announcement comes on the heels of the Sept. 7 launch of the new diversity website that details and provides easy access to the University’s programs and efforts in the area of diversity. The Advancing Diversity and Inclusion portal was among the short-term recommendations made by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion.

To learn more about initiatives underway to enhance diversity on the Syracuse University campus, please visit http://diversity.syr.edu.