GREETINGS OSU COMMUNITY,
The last 18 months have been difficult. Between a pandemic and violence visited upon Black and brown communities, every OSU community member has been impacted. We have been forced to confront difficult truths while cultivating empathy and care, at times across great philosophical divides. And through this time — in some cases because of it — the work continued. This issue of Taking Action highlights some of the amazing efforts of OSU faculty, students, employees and volunteers to advance equity and make change despite uniquely challenging circumstances. We’re excited to celebrate them and amplify their work here.
We are also in transition. I am excited to step into the role of interim vice president and chief diversity officer. I have been a member of OID since its opening in 2016 and worked closely with Charlene to steward our work. I’m very thankful for Charlene’s guidance and leadership. I am also grateful for the many contributions of Allison Davis-White Eyes and Brandi Douglas, who departed OSU to new opportunities — having dedicated decades of leadership to the university. We are poised to build on existing relationships and cultivate new ones, to continue advancing inclusive excellence at every level at OSU. We have made great progress and have more to do.
Scott A. Vignos, J.D.
Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
Saying goodbye has always been difficult for me, and this time is no exception. In my final week at Oregon State University, I reflected on the majesty of Oregon, and I know I will often return to enjoy not only the state’s natural beauty but friendships made. It has been my distinct pleasure to serve as OSU’s inaugural Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer.
Thank you to all who attended my going away celebration at the Black Cultural Center. It was a fitting location, because we must recognize the students who challenged the university during the Students of Color Speak Out in 2015. They moved then-President Ed Ray to create the Office of Institutional Diversity. We cannot forget their voices and contributions.
I have been blessed with incredible colleagues in the Office of Institutional Diversity who gave their best, supported our vision for the university and worked every day to ensure that we advance inclusive excellence at OSU. I could not do this work without their support. I also want to thank our cabinet members who have absorbed DEI education and are working to transform their respective units.
Thank you to all who provided incredible insight into OSU’s first Diversity Strategic Plan. That plan has served as our north star, and I am thrilled to report that all 53 action items have been either completed or are well underway — ahead of schedule. I am extremely proud of the work of so many across the university who have helped realize those goals, and I look forward to seeing OSU’s Diversity Strategic Plan 2.0.
Those of you who know me, know that I have a bias toward action. We know what the issues are, we know where the challenges are located, and therefore, we must act to advance the institution. It is OK to try and fail, but it is essential to act.
Ask challenging questions of ourselves and the university. What should we be doing to address gatekeeping courses and practices that prevent talent at OSU from succeeding? Start with faculty and staff who have demonstrated care and commitment to underrepresented students and create environments where all truly feel welcomed. We must act!
I also see a future where Oregon State is one of the first larger four-year colleges to become both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. We must act!
We must carefully examine the outcomes of our efforts. I continue to ask four questions: How are we creating opportunities for student success? How are we identifying opportunities for student success? How are we communicating those successes? How are we celebrating those successes?
I am not a chief diversity officer who struggled for support. I know my work was valued. I believe every member of this community understands how important this work is for the future of OSU and the state of Oregon. I am not saying there weren’t times when I had to have difficult conversations, felt frustrated or shared a perspective that was not universally appreciated. That comes with the territory. However, I always felt respected.
I believe we have an incredibly strong foundation on which to grow. I am equally confident that Scott Vignos possesses the leadership skills and vision to continue advancing DEI efforts at Oregon State. The future remains very bright indeed, and I thank you for your support. See you on the trails and campgrounds.
With my deepest appreciation,
Charlene Alexander, Ph.D.
Former Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer