A message from the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
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 realize that COVID-19 has posed challenges to all of us – and to some more than others. As we are looking into the new academic year, 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.
