2021 State of Diversity at Oregon State University

Welcome to the 2021 State of Diversity at Oregon State Address

Given the unprecedented events that shaped the most recent year – including the pandemic and calls for racial justice – the Office of Institutional Diversity took a different approach to this year's State of Diversity at Oregon State Address.

This year's address is comprised of in-depth conversations with faculty, staff and student leaders within the OSU community discussing their vision, challenges and progress in building a more equitable and welcoming university. Through these conversations, we hope to amplify the incredible efforts and accomplishments of community members across the university who have steadfastly advanced equity under trying circumstances.

Thank you for learning more about the State of Diversity at Oregon State in 2021.

Welcome from the Interim President and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Charlene Alexander introduces the 2021 State of Diversity at OSU and discusses efforts underway to advance inclusive excellence at OSU with Interim President Dr. Becky Johnson.

Read Dr. Alexander's remarks.

Strategic Initiatives Advancing Equity Across the Institution

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS STRATEGIC PRIORITY 

Scott Vignos speaks with Damoni Wright, Charlene Martinez and Teresita Alvarez-Cortez to learn more about the Division of Student Affairs Agenda and Priority to promote cultural and systemic transformation through critical examination

EQUITY IN OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Scott Vignos meets with Kris Elliot and Charissa Jones to explore efforts underway to embed equity in every facet of Outdoor School with the Division of Extension and Engagement

UNIT LEVEL DIVERSITY STRATEGIC PLANNING 

Scott Vignos speaks with Vrushali Bokil from the College of Science and Mary Ellen Dello Stritto from Ecampus to learn about strategic diversity planning efforts initiated this year their units.

Community Engagement

ECampus Serving Tribal Communities

Allison Davis-White Eyes meets with Lisa Templeton and Marleigh Perez to explore the work Ecampus is advacing to support tribal communities in Oregon and beyond. 

President's Commission on the Status of Black Faculty and STaff Affairs

Allison Davis-White Eyes meets with Bridget Jones and Terrance Harris to learn about the new OSU President's Commission on the Status of Black Faculty and Staff Affairs

OSU ALUMNI AFFINITY GROUPS

Allison Davis-White Eyes speaks with OSU alumni Marcia Torres, Katie Scott, Temmecha Turner, Tricia Samountry, Ellen Dishman and OSU Alumni Association staff member Suzanne Flores-Phillips about new alumni groups to support and build community among diverse alumni. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Education at OSU

Ethnic Studies: K-12 Summer Institute

Jeff Kenney meets with Patti Sakurai and Ron Mize to learn about a new Ethnic Studies K-12 Summer Institute to build capacity among elementary school teachers in Oregon. 

Center for Teaching and Learning

Jeff Kenney meets with Regan Gurung to learn about initiatives underway in the Center for Teaching and Learning to support faculty members' efforts to embed equity in the curriculum. 

Supporting Student Access, Success and Belonging

NIA BLACK SCHOLAR  AND MUNK-SKUKUM INDIGENOUS LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Brandi Douglas meets with Dorian Smith, Luhui Whitebear and Teresita Alvarez-Cortez to learn more about two new living-learning communities to support Black and Indigenous students at OSU. 

HERE TO STAY

Brandi Douglas meets with student leaders María Lachino Sonato and Carla Medel from Here to Stay to learn more about student advocacy efforts to support undocumented students, students with DACA and students from mixed-immigration status families. 

HUMAN SERVICES RESOURCE CENTER (HSRC)

Brandi Douglas speaks with Nicole Hindes and Miguel Arellano Sanchez to explore how the Human Services Resource Center works to meet the basic needs of all OSU students. 

Student Equity Efforts at OSU-Cascades

Erin Rook meets with Marichelle Gurski and Michael Tornatta to learn about student efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion at OSU-Cascades. 

Office of Institutional Diversity team members contributing to the State of Diversity include

  • Dawn Marie Alapisco, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation (NAGPRA) Coordinator
  • Charlene Alexander, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
  • Allison Davis-White Eyes, Director of Community Diversity Relations
  • Brandi Douglas, Assistant Director for Outreach
  • Hannah Ely, Student Communications Assistant
  • Pamela Johnson, Executive Assistant to the Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
  • Jeff Kenney, Director of Institutional Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Erin Rook, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, OSU-Cascades
  • Scott Vignos, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Diversity Initiatives
  • Julia Zavala, '21, Student Office Assistant

The State of Diversity 2021 was produced with assistance from OSU Productions.