Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Board of Trustees Names Members of New Advisory Committee on University Climate, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Monday, April 26, 2021, By News Staff
Share
Board of TrusteesDiversity and Inclusion

Syracuse University’s Board of Trustees today announced the formation of the Advisory Committee on University Climate, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility. The advisory committee will be co-led by Trustees Richard M. Alexander L’82 and Jeffrey M. Scruggs, both of whom previously served as co-leads on the Board’s Special Committee on University Climate, Diversity and Inclusion, which concluded its work in March 2021 with the issuance of a final report.

Recommendations from the special committee include investing $50 million to identify, hire and retain a more diverse full-time faculty; enriching and modernizing the curriculum; enhancing the residential student experience; strengthening and prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility across all training, programming and facilities planning; and reimagining the role of the Department of Public Safety.

“The formation of the advisory committee reflects the Board’s continuing commitment to this transformative work that is critical to shaping the future of Syracuse University,” says Alexander. “We look forward to the opportunity to provide strategic oversight with respect to the initiatives that will enable the University to become a leader in higher education. Our work will support modeling the values of a diverse and inclusive society on our campus, while fostering a culture that is supportive and welcoming to all people and preparing our students to be leaders.”

The new advisory committee will be tasked with, among other things, reviewing the actions taken in fulfillment of the University’s Campus Commitments. The advisory committee will also receive regular reports from the chief diversity and inclusion officer on progress in implementing the University’s five-year strategic plan and will provide oversight with the University’s efforts to foster a more diverse and inclusive culture and a welcoming and equitable campus environment.

“The University and the Board of Trustees are committed to take actions that build a community that is welcoming to all,” says Scruggs. “Several foundational elements are complete or nearly finished, including the work of former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, the recommendations of the Special Committee, results of the climate pulse survey by Dr. Damon Williams, and the strategic plan being developed by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. Most importantly, we heard from our students about how they experience Syracuse University, and where we must do better. The advisory committee is poised to support the long-term work that will bring lasting and meaningful change to our community.”

Other members of the new advisory committee include:

  • Joanne F. Alper, Life Trustee
  • David G. Edelstein, Voting Trustee
  • Sharon Haines Jacquet, Life Trustee
  • Christine E. Larsen, Voting Trustee
  • Douglas A. Present, Voting Trustee
  • Kent Syverud, Chancellor (ex officio)
  • Michael G. Thonis, Voting Trustee
  • Kathleen A. Walters, Board Chair (ex officio)
  • Howard E. Woolley, Voting Trustee

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • WiSE Hosts the 2025 Norma Slepecky Memorial Lecture and Undergraduate Research Prize Award Ceremony
    Friday, June 13, 2025, By News Staff
  • Inaugural Meredith Professor Faculty Fellows Announced
    Friday, June 13, 2025, By Wendy S. Loughlin
  • Lab THRIVE: Advancing Student Mental Health and Resilience
    Thursday, June 12, 2025, By News Staff
  • 7 New Representatives Added to the Board of Trustees
    Wednesday, June 11, 2025, By News Staff
  • Whitman Honors Outstanding Alumni and Friends at 2025 Awards and Appreciation Event
    Tuesday, June 10, 2025, By News Staff

More In Campus & Community

Inaugural Meredith Professor Faculty Fellows Announced

Three professors have been named Meredith Professor Faculty Fellows. Part of the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professorship Program, the Faculty Fellows program was launched this year. Fellows will work in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning…

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go Orange! Faculty and Staff at the Syracuse WorkForce Run (Gallery)

The Syracuse WorkForce Run was held at Onondaga Lake Parkway Tuesday, bringing together workers from across Central New York for a night of food, fun, fitness and friendly competition among area employers. This year’s event, which raised funds for Ronald…

Oren Lyons Jr., Roy Simmons Jr. Honored With Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award

Oren Lyons Jr. ’58, H’93 and Roy Simmons Jr. ’59, H’14 formed a lifelong friendship that stems from their days starring for the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse team from 1955-58. Recently, Lyons and Simmons were honored with the Alfie Jacques…

McDonald Assumes New Role as Associate Vice President for Research

Katherine McDonald, professor of public health and senior associate dean for research and administration in the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, will join Syracuse University’s Office of Research in a new role as associate vice president…

7 New Representatives Added to the Board of Trustees

Chancellor Kent Syverud has appointed Dean Mark Lodato of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications as academic dean representative to the Board of Trustees. In addition, Andrea Rose Persin, assistant dean of budget, finance and administration in the College…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.