DEI Advisory Council

A student wearing a face mask with the writing of 'Black Lives Matter'
Hall Director Alyssa Johnson listens to speakers at a campus march in support of Black Lives Matter.

The following members of the university's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, who will serve through 2025, were selected based on their knowledge and years of experience as well as their commitment and leadership toward advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion:

Co-Chairs

Diane Ariza

Diane Ariza
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Brandon Hutchinson

Brandon Hutchinson
Faculty Fellow;
Racial and Intersectional Justice Group (RIJG)

Council Members

Betsy Beacom

Betsy Beacom
Integrated Communications & Marketing

Colleen Bielitz

Colleen Bielitz
Academic Affairs
  

Laurie Bonjo

Laurie Bonjo
Counseling and School Psychology

Cindy Cardozo

Cindy Cardozo
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Eric Lessne

Eric Lessne
Facilities Operations

Chris Piscitelli

Chris Piscitelli
Student Affairs

Elizabeth Rhoades
Counseling and School Psychology

Riyanna Singleton
Student Government Association

Vu Trieu

Vu Trieu
Information Technology

Ayanna Walker

Ayanna Walker
College of Health and Human Services

Under the leadership of and in partnership with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the DEI Advisory Council advocates for members of the Southern community by:

  • Elevating important diversity, equity, and inclusion issues to the vice president of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the president.
  • Providing, in partnership with the Division of DEI, consultation and leadership on current and new initiatives and learning opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • Advising the Division of DEI on best practices and approaches for creating a more inclusive and equitable campus community toward attracting and retaining a diverse faculty, staff, and student body.
  • Serving as coaches, mentors, and accountability partners related to the strategic priorities of the University as directed by the University Strategic Plan.
  • Recommending, based on information gathered from their respective divisions, departments, and communities of identity, best approaches to ensure ongoing DEI efforts are effective and meet the needs of those who feel most marginalized.