University Diversity Council to meet this month

March 11, 2026

The äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Diversity Council will meet this spring in efforts to further inclusion, diversity and equity among all students, faculty, and staff.

The council, supported by the , will meet Monday, March 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

The , led by co-chairs , vice president for community, equity and diversity, and äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ College of Nursing Dean , enhances collaboration to coordinate University-wide inclusive excellence initiatives.   

The council includes faculty, staff, and student representation from every college and administrative division, as well as University affiliates, working together to foster an inclusive, people-centered culture. Current council members are:

  • Kamilah A’Vant, assistant dean, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Alisa Baron, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences 
  • Ana Barraza, director, Women’s Center
  • Arden Bastia, donor relations and engagement specialist, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Foundation 
  • Heidi Bucci, coordinator, professional and executive business education, College of Business 
  • Melissa J. Camba-Kelsay, associate director, Center for Student Leadership Development 
  • Ryan Chapman, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences 
  • Jacqueline Christophe-Hayot, executive director of professional and executive business education, College of Business 
  • Kairy Gonzalez, undergraduate student representative 
  • Kerri Ellis, associate professor, College of Nursing 
  • Kristy A. Embrack, director, community and organizational development, Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity
  • Michael Fitzpatrick Jr., director, labor and employee relations, Office of Human Resources 
  • Robert Flynn, director, Center for Military and Veteran Education 
  • Edward P. Givens, assistant director, Talent Development 
  • Emmett Goods, director of jazz studies, College of Arts and Sciences 
  • Aura Fajardo Grandidge, assistant dean, College of the Environment and Life Sciences 
  • Alejandro Hazera, professor, College of Business 
  • Tom Hospod, assistant director, virtual internationalization and internationalization initiatives 
  • Lauren Jensen, deputy general counsel, Office of the General Counsel 
  • Jeff Johnson, associate athletic director, student-athlete development
  • Lisa Macaruso, associate director, Academic Testing Center 
  • Princess Metuge, assistant dean, Graduate School of Oceanography 
  • Cara Mitnick, associate director of professional and community development, Graduate School
  • Jean Nsabumuremyi, director, Multicultural Student Services Center
  • Chuka Okoye, assistant dean, Fannon Institute for Student Success 
  • Amy Olson, executive director, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Hillel; president, äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Chaplains Association 
  • Steve Pryzmus, associate professor, College of Education 
  • Jamie Puleo, anatomy and physiology lab specialist, College of the Environment and Life Sciences 
  • Mollie Ruben, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences
  • Dorca P. Smalley, director, Office of Equal Opportunity 
  • David Smith, professor, Graduate School of Oceanography 
  • Aradhana Srinagesh, graduate student representative
  • Kimberly Stack, executive director, Fannon Institute for Student Success 
  • Deborah Suggs, director of admissions 
  • Cheryl Trudel, executive assistant, External Relations and Communications 
  • Manuela Vadis, assistant director, Gender and Sexuality Center 
  • Charles Watson, assistant dean, access, opportunity and success, College of Engineering 
  • Nicole Weiss, professor, College of Health Sciences 
  • Nasser Zawia, professor, College of Health Sciences

The council works collaboratively across campus, through its committees such as its steering committee and the Accessibility Task Force to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning, living, and working environment for all members of the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ community.

äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ community members are encouraged to connect with council members who work in their respective departments on any matters they wish to share.