On September 13th, university communications sent out a “Note from the Office of Warren Anderson” to all students and faculty that details the new initiatives as well as explains the updated role of DEI on campus.
Dr. Warren Anderson was hired last spring as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This position was created in the wake of administration interest in making Bradley University more “culturally competent.”
These initiatives include:
- An Office for Campus Culture and Climate, headed by an executive director
- The establishment of Divisional Advisory Councils focused on issues facing race/ethnicity, accessibility, socioeconomic status, and gender identity/orientation
- The establishment of Bradley’s first Women’s Center and LGBTQ+ Center
- The introduction of a Bradley Intercultural Ambassador program featuring student champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion
There are many more planned for the division.
“I have one goal - to ensure the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are a natural extension of every aspect of our institution. This goal will require us to do things differently and in a manner that garners trust and excitement, not resentment and resistance," said Anderson in a note to the campus community.
The announcement also states that diversity and inclusion are among the highest priorities for the university, and that Bradley can be a “catalyst for continuous social change.”
Bradley’s efforts extend beyond the creation of this division. In addition to the renaming of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to the Office of Inclusive Excellence, Bradley University is expanding staff dedicated to these offices.
This past summer, Kelvin Hererra Hassan joined the Office of Inclusive Excellence as executive director, and an executive director for the Office of Campus Culture and Climate, Charity Gunn, will begin this month.
