Voicing Our Commitment

Dushyanth Aluwihare

Incoming 2022-23 DEI GSSA

“When I first started learning about the office, I noticed the widespread commitment to DEI. From committee members who ensure key initiatives make steady progress across the years, to the DEI office staff that deal with everyday student questions, issues and engagement opportunities, everyone works hard to push the envelope across the frontiers of diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all.”

Devon Keen

Director of Inclusion, Equity, and Outreach

“In the past 5 years, we have faced many challenges that arise when we authentically strive for greater accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Our aims are high and progress can feel slow, but together we can make impactful change in small and large ways. Let us encourage one another while also holding each other accountable as we move forward.”

Yihan Li

Outgoing 2021-22 DEI GSSA

“The past year has opened my eyes to the DEI efforts that happen behind the scenes. These efforts show up in many aspects of our UMSI experience, from having more readings by people of color in our classrooms to more accommodations for religious holidays. It has been a joy to work with both the DEI office and the committee in driving those efforts, both visible and invisible. Always remember, you belong here!”

Sandra Lopez

DEI Outreach Coordinator

“I value creating opportunities to build awareness of the field of information science. By investing in DEI led outreach, UMSI is addressing the barriers sometimes experienced by historically excluded* students looking for a home in higher education. The Community College Summer Institute is just one example of an outreach initiative that has thrived because of the engagement and collaboration of UMSI faculty, staff, and students.”

Judy Schabel

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

“Our shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has grown deeper and stronger over the past five years, and we have many examples of how we have infused DEI into the fabric of everything we do. We now have a base from which we can build. We must continue to be diligent and deliberate in making DEI - including antiracism, anti ableism, anti-sexism and gender equality - central in our values, goals, and actions.”

Scott Staelgraeve

Chief of Staff

“In the past 5 years I have seen significant change in practices, policies, and procedures that positively impact our community. We have instituted changes leading to more equitable hiring practices and greater diversity outreach when it comes to staff recruiting. We are committed to cultivating an environment where staff can bring their full selves to work and have development opportunities that position them to grow their careers.”

Beth Yakel

C Olivia Frost Collegiate Professor of Information, Professor of Information, Interim Dean, School of Information and Faculty Associate, Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research, Institute for Social Research

“We have invested significantly in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and will continue to prioritize efforts going forward, including a focus on building an antiracist curriculum and school culture. Achieving our DEI goals takes all of us working together, infusing DEI into our work and interactions, both in and out of the classroom. We are committed to building a strong DEI 2.0 strategic plan and aligning resources in support of that plan.”