Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Promoting a culture of equity, inclusion, access and belonging
DEI Statement
At Oglethorpe University, we are committed to fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging for all members of our campus community. We work to craft educational opportunities that minimize inequities, dismantle barriers to participation and access, and continuously develop the essential skills to collaborate effectively across diverse perspectives.
We celebrate the distinctive qualities that shape our personal and cultural identities. We view the diversity of our students and employees as an invaluable asset and provide platforms for the community to champion issues that resonate with them. We strive to establish an environment where everyone within our campus community can show up as their authentic selves. As we cultivate connections, we work to advocate for each other’s needs and forge a united community that makes a positive global impact.
Initiatives
Community Forums and Community Dialogues
These forums aim to foster honest, open and continuous dialogue between all members of the Oglethorpe community.
Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center is many things all at once: a place to study or relax during the day, an event space, a place to learn or exchange ideas, a resource and a safe space.
Cornerstone DEI Webinars
Through CIC Belong Community, we offer quarterly webinars for staff and faculty. In these webinars issues of inclusivity and belonging are addressed, and practical approaches to addressing issues are discussed.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) ie3 Grant
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) named Oglethorpe University as one of the recipients of its third round of inclusive excellence grants Nov. 30, 2022.
Rhana Gittens Wheeler, Ph.D. – Chief Inclusive Excellence Officer
Colleen Donaldson – Human Resources Manager – Professional Development and Wellness
Kendra King Momon, Ph.D. – Associate Provost
Marisol Zacarias – Intercultural Center Director
Austin Rayford – Equity and Care Director
Vivian Medrano, Ed.D. – Student Success Director
The DEI Cabinet leads efforts in inclusive excellence planning across campus.
Faculty members
Dr. Maura Dudley, Part-Time Lecturer, Biology
Dr. Gregory Gabriel, Lecturer, Chemistry
Dr. James Iredell, Lecturer of Core Studies
Dr. Christine McCulloch, Lecturer of Core Studies
Megan Murphy, Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Susan Noh, Assistant Professor, Communication Studies
Christina Price Washington, Assistant Professor of Art and Art Program Coordinator
Dr. Anna Ziering, Assistant Professor of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Staff members
Helen Bond, Academic Advisor, Student Success
Valeri Cruz ’23, Communications Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Ethan Hawkland, Assistant Director of Admission
Laronda Hollis, Assistant Director, Counseling Center
Autumn Johnson ’20, Assistant Director of Events and Communications, Admission
Dr. Vivian Medrano, Senior Director, Student Success
Elizabeth Peterson Jennings, Director, Oglethorpe University Museum of Art
Grant Utter, Assistant Director, Marketing and Communications
Kinsley Williams, Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator
Marisol Zacarias, Director, Intercultural Center
Student members
Lacey Frye
Matt Kessinger
Naima McHardy
Jason Njagi
Morgan Quach
Jonathan “Wood” Severe
The Inclusive Excellence Committee, which coordinates efforts in diversity strategic planning, campus climate, and community partnerships, represents faculty, staff and students from across campus.
- We aim to foster a campus environment that:
- Includes those who have been traditionally excluded
- Promotes a culture that respects and values our diverse experiences and perspectives
- Understands the role of inequalities in shaping our individual and collective identities and experiences
The Belong Community
We are a proud member of The Belong Community, a national network of independent colleges and universities dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments. Belong is developed by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and the Association of College and University Educators.
