The diverse perspectives encountered at WCU are an important part of the preparation of students for roles as regional, national, and global leaders who contribute to the improvement of society. It is expected that members of the WCU community will not only coexist with those who are different from themselves, but also nurture respect and appreciation of those differences. We encourage civil discourse as a part of the learning enterprise, and as a campus, we do not tolerate harassing or discriminating behavior that seeks to marginalize or demean members of our community.
For more information:
Policy 53
Diversity Resources
Report Harassment or Discrimination
The Council on Inclusive Excellence (CIE) established the Inclusive Excellence Awards
in honor and appreciation of the faculty, staff, and student who has demonstrated
outstanding efforts toward advancing the University in its mission of embracing diversity
while maintaining academic excellence. Each year, one award will be allocated for
a WCU faculty, staff, and student, and the recipients of the Inclusive Excellence
Award will each receive a plaque and a monetary award of $500 toward their diversity
efforts. Nominations will be accepted through the online nomination form.
The Call for Nominations for the 2020 IE Awards will open in Fall 2019. Please, direct
questions to diversity@wcu.edu.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AWARD
The Council shall:
Advise the Provost on issues, policies, and practices that affect Western Carolina University's commitment as a champion of Inclusive Excellence. *
Report regularly to the Provost and the University community on the status of issues of Inclusive Excellence at WCU, such as matters of racial and ethnic diversity in employment, working environments, compensation, and campus leadership.
Manage and Implement campus climate surveys and assessments as needed, involving:
Offer Recommendations to redress all forms of racial and ethnicity-related inequities, including:
Monitor Inclusive Excellence Progress to ensure Inclusive Excellence at Western Carolina University, which fully engages faculty, staff, and students in the creation of an inclusive campus, including:
*Inclusive Excellence as defined by AACU
**Minority as defined by WCU/the state of North Carolina and the Federal Office of Civil
Rights.
Name | Title | Department/Unit/Organization |
---|---|---|
Chief Diversity Officer | Provost; Office of Equal Opportunities and Diversity Programs | |
Dr. Rebecca Lasher (Co-chair) |
Assistant Professor | Social Work |
Dr. Ellie Blair | Associate Professor | School of Teaching & Learning |
Chris Dahlquist | Human Resource Consultant | Human Resources |
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success | Office of the Provost | |
Director of Compliance | Office of Athletic Programs | |
Dr. Nelson Granda-Marulanda | Assistant Professor | School of Engineering & Technology |
Dr. Brandi Hinnant-Crawford | Assistant Professor | Human Services |
Suzanne Melton | Administrative Support Specialist | Office of the Provost |
Dr. Dana Murray Patterson | Director | Intercultural Affairs |
Dr. Eleanor Petrone | Associate Professor | English |
Dr. JoBeth Shafran | Assistant Professor | Political Science & Public Affairs |
Shamella Cromartie | Associate Dean | Hunter Library |
Paul Perrotta | Director of Accessibility Resources | Disability Services |
Amy McKenzie | Administrative Support Specialist | Philosophy & Religion |