Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Kirkwood DEI Statement:

With a sense of determination and responsibility to address systemic inequities, we will serve our community through prioritizing equitable outcomes for historically marginalized populations. We commit to strengthen equity and inclusion practices, pedagogy, and policies that foster belonging and a supportive community for students, staff, and faculty.

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Plurilingual Voices Panel

Betsy Baertlein, Global Learning Faculty at Kirkwood, led a discussion highlighting the importance of plurilingualism and respecting multilingual students during International Education Week. A student panel shared their experiences.

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Students

Find ways to connect to services, support, and programs.

DEI for Students

Equity Team

The members of the Kirkwood Equity Team are a diverse cross-section of the Kirkwood community who work as a hub to facilitate and align its DEI efforts and programs across the college. 

The Kirkwood Equity Team’s objectives:

1) Coordinate and disseminate updates related to DEI work at Kirkwood

2) Develop communications strategies for awareness of DEI work

3) Advocate for change by evaluating campus climate for students and employees

The Equity Team’s current members are

  • Darek Benesh, Associate Dean - Global Learning
  • Erica Bernard, Assistant Professor - Nursing
  • Eliot Blake, Professor English - Communication, English, and Media
  • Nick Borders, Director of Student Services
  • Jennifer Bradley, Vice President, Academic Affairs
  • Jon Buse, Vice President, Student Services    
  • Wes Fowler, Vice President, Human Resources
    • Andrew Freeman, Program Director, TRIO, Student Equity, Inclusion and Support
  • Shelley Milks,Coordinator, Orientation - Dean of Students Office 
  • Melissa Payne, Associate Vice President, Student Services
  • Karla Scriven, Academic Advisor - Advising Department
  • Sreeja Sreelatha, Talent Acquisition Specialist - Human Resources
  • Serena Tarr, Associate Professor, Sociology - Social Sciences
  • Amanda Thompson, Supervisor - Learning Services
  • Dawn Wood, Dean - Global Learning
  • Mialisa Wright, Director - Student Equity, Inclusion, and Support

Kirkwood Student Mary Kariuki

“I would say the best thing about the Kirkwood experience is how friendly and helpful all the faculty and students are. You’re able to make real connections with your classmates and especially your professors.”

Mary Kariuki,
Nyahururu, Kenya