A message from the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:

Photo of Eleni

As the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Undergraduate programs at 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.

College of Education & Human Development Diversity and Support

40% 40% 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
$256,921 Student scholarship support is a critical component for the college and our students.
Student dressed in warm clothing in the quad during fall
90% 90% of DFS graduates have some higher education beyond High School, with over 30% earning more than $40,000 per year.
Hispanic student standing in a community room

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.

Joy Crowley with DFS students and staff

Dean's Future Scholars' students benefit from Joy Crowley's donations

Joy Crowley donates food twice a week to the Dean's Future Scholars Lounge

Makaalynn Wortham, Ammal Abdul, Randal Owen, Nicole Wadden and Mehmet Gumus sitting on a couch and smiling

Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities receives $200,000 grant to support students in STEM fields

Students with disabilities seek to change STEM culture on-campus through mentorship program

Vanesa Gallegos-Jaimes, Cazandra Gonzalez-Avila and Monserrath Ramirez-Ramirez holding a banner that says España

Lynn Whetstone’s support opens doors for students to study abroad

High school students benefit from Dean's Future Scholars study abroad program