Two New Members Appointed to Universitywide Diversity and Inclusion Council

Two new members have been named to Syracuse University’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion. New Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol and Graduate Student Organization External Vice President Sweta Roy were appointed to the council, which is the primary advisory committee on diversity and inclusion to Chancellor Kent Syverud.

The Universitywide Council on Diversity and Inclusion, co-chaired by Diane R. Wiener, director of the Disability Cultural Center, and Barry L. Wells, special assistant to the Chancellor, was created following a recommendation by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion. The council members were appointed by Chancellor Syverud last fall.

“The council appreciates Brian and Sweta coming on board to assist with its critical work.”  Wells says. “We have made some important gains across campus, but there are still many areas that we need to address in order to create a more welcoming and inclusive campus with greater access, equity and respectful spaces for all members of our community.”

The council also serves as a resource for academic and non-academic units.

“Our campus community is such a vibrant place. We need to ensure that we are creating an environment that supports the diversity of all people who learn, work and engage in life at Syracuse University,” Wiener says. “The council is dedicated to the University’s mission of fostering a richly diverse and inclusive community of learning and opportunity.”

The 2017-18 Diversity and Inclusion Council members are the following:

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

To learn more about the University’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion, please visit http://Diversity.syr.edu.