Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The College of Education & Human Development is committed to promoting and protecting diversity, equity, and inclusion for our entire community. We are committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive climate that validates social identities, including but not limited to the following, as well as intersections thereof: age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, geographic location, immigration status, Indigeneity, language, nationality, political affiliation, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation/identity, and socioeconomic status/social class.

A message from our Associate Dean Eleni Oikonomidoy, Ph.D.

As the Associate Dean for the College of Education and Human Development, my goal is to promote the creation of an inclusive and equitable climate in the college for all. I joined the University of Nevada, Reno in 2006 as an assistant professor of Multicultural Education. In addition to teaching the undergraduate multicultural education class, I teach numerous graduate-level classes. I am the co-founder of the Master’s Degree and the doctoral strand in Equity and Diversity in Education. My research spans from K-12 where I study the social and academic integration of newcomer immigrant/refugee students to higher education where I explore the experiences of underrepresented groups of students. My goal is always to translate research findings into policies and practices that recognize, validate, and empower all those involved.

It is my strong belief that the work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a collective effort. As such, I aim to engage with students, faculty, staff and community members to identify and counteract challenges and build bridges to inclusion, growth and belonging. I would like to invite all to work together to counteract old and new challenges and aim to promote understanding and authentic connection. Members of the college’s community will most likely be hearing from me with requests to share their experiences by participating in surveys or interviews and to take part in community-building activities. I would encourage them to participate all to the extent that they want/can.

41% 41% of students in the College of Education & Human Development self-identify as Students of Color.

Two diverse students wearing Nevada shirts at in a coffee shop

78% 78% of the College's student population is female.

Student working on laptop in a multi-purpose room

$332,927 Student scholarship support is a critical component for the college and our students.

Student dressed in warm clothing in the quad during fall

96% 96% of our Dean's Future Scholars graduate from high school and 72% enroll in college.

Hispanic student standing in a community room

Faculty Spotlight

Rose Ann Gutierrez, Ph.D., assistant professor of Equity and Diversity in Education

Dr. Gutierrez’s research is informed by a Pinay epistemology and positionality as a 1.5-generation immigrant, first-generation college student, and the only daughter of working-class Pilipino immigrants. Her critical analytical lens as a race scholar in education undergird her resolve to improve the conditions and opportunities of historically oppressed communities across the lifespan through educational research and practice. Her broader research agenda examines the relationship between knowledge, race, and social transformation in education contexts.

Learn about Dr. Gutierrez

Leading by example.

The College of Education & Human Development is actively engaged in the areas of diversity. equity, and inclusion aiming to enhance recognition, validation, and empowerment for everyone from an early age.