Diversity and Inclusion
In spring 2019, President Cockett created a Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to guide the university’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive university system. The task force will include faculty and staff across USU campuses.
Inclusion Center WebsiteTask Force Charges
- Conducting a campus climate assessment on university inclusion.
- Developing a five-year strategic plan for diversity and inclusion at USU.
- Convening key players on a regular basis to oversee implementation of the strategic plan.
- Producing annual progress reports to monitor effectiveness of the strategic plan.
Task Force Members
- Alison Adams-Perlac, Direct of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity
- Eri Bentley, CAPS Psychologist and Chair of Aggies Think, Care, Act
- Janis Boettinger, Vice Provost and Global Engagement Director
- Michelle Bogdan-Holt, Director of the Access and Diversity Center
- Doug Bullock, Director of USU Human Resources
- Marilyn Cuch, Lecturer, Advisor / Director of the RCDE Secondary Education Program
- Amanda DeRito, Director of Crisis Communications and Issues Management
- Renee Galliher, Professor of Psychology
- Christy Glass, Professor of Sociology and Undergraduate Program Co-Director
- Chris González, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Latinx Cultural Center
- Ravi Gupta, Professor, Charles Redd Chair of Religious Studies
- Grecia Jimenez, Recruitment Specialist for Admissions
- James Morales, Vice President for Student Affairs
- Sachin Pavithran, Policy Director for the Center for Persons with Disabilities
- Bill Plate, Vice President for Marketing and Communications
- David Pruden, Director of the Disability Resource Center
- Robert Wagner, Vice President for Academic and Instructional Services
Working Groups
The task force will also guide four working groups: Student Recruitment, Retention and Success; Faculty and Staff Hiring, Retention and Success; Training, Instruction and Research; and On-Campus Diversity Committees and Organizations. Each of these working groups will be chaired by a task force member and populated with subject-matter experts from across campus. Student input will also be sought by each of the working groups.
Task Force Co-Chairs
- Eri Bentley | eri.bentley@usu.edu | 435-797-1012
- Amanda DeRito | amanda.derito@usu.edu | 435-797-2759
Recent News
Inclusive Excellence Symposium to “Disrupt”
President Cockett will present the second annual (and third ever) Inclusive Excellence Symposium on Oct. 30, 2019. This year’s theme is “disrupt.” The symposium emphasizes the benefits of greater diversity, along with greater inclusion, within the USU community. Attendees receive education and training for understanding the experiences of underrepresented groups in order to reduce barriers to their academic and career success. The symposium will also promote networking, collaboration, and dialogue among faculty, staff, students, and community members. The event is free.
Read MoreUSU President Hosts First Diversity Dinner
President Cockett hosted the first annual Cache Valley Diversity Dinner on March 27, 2019. The diversity dinner provided a chance for members of the community to share a meal with those they may have never interacted with before and hear each other's stories. Representatives from USU and civic organizations in the community planned the free dinner, which was held at Logan High School.
Read More25th Annual Diversity Awards
The Diversity Awards recognize individuals and organizations on campus and in communities served by USU who have made significant contributions to diversity and inclusion. The recipients for the 2018-19 school year are Eri Bentley, Laura Gelfand, Jared Gheen, Kristin Searle and the Northern Utah Hispanic Health Coalition.
Read More