USCB to Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Eric Skipper, Dr. Angela Simmons, Joleesa Johnson M.Ed., Dr. Mollie Barnes, and
Chancellor Panu (left to right)The University of South Carolina Beaufort is joining higher education institutions across the country in focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
USCB’s new initiative will develop and achieve equity goals, create a climate of respect, and cultivate a culture and physical environment that champions diversity and prioritizes inclusion.
“Our success is dependent on how well we value, welcome and engage students, staff, and faculty, across the full breadth of their multiple, intersecting identities,” Chancellor Al M. Panu wrote in a charge letter to the USCB community.
The university’s current strategic plan includes diversity and inclusion as objectives. Goals include: recruitment and retention of students from underrepresented and historically marginalized populations, more diverse faculty and staff applicant pools and an examination of hiring practices, and a physical environment that is supportive of people with differing abilities and gender identities.
Two new USCB committees will work with faculty, staff and students to develop strategies and practical approaches surrounding diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Angela Simmons, vice chancellor for student development, and Dr. Eric Skipper, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, will chair a committee focused on campus climate and making changing to programs, services, and policies.
The second committee, chaired by Joleesa Johnson, coordinator of housing operations, and Dr. Mollie Barnes, associate professor of English, will be a group of diversity educators on campus charged with developing their own cultural competence and training students and colleagues.
“This group will serve as a learning community,” Panu said.
The work of these committees is supported by a USCB Student Government Association
resolution that passed in early 2020.
“Students can often feel isolated or like spokespersons for their race, identity, and beliefs,” the resolution says. “The University of South Carolina Beaufort will support education and professional development to foster an inclusive learning environment with the purpose of eliminating bias and discrimination within the classroom and on campus.”
Look for more information in early 2021 about USCB’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative and ways you can participate, or contact Dr. Angela Simmons at AS110@uscb.edu.