Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board Structure & Key Values

Key Objective

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inc involved will work toward, maintain, and further a diverse, inclusive, fair, and equitable environment at Methodist for all community members, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LBGTQIA, Military, and people living with disabilities. This encompasses all who are engaging with the Office as program participants, volunteers, staff, and/or board and committee members.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board will

  • Determine key priorities for action related to this key objective,
  • Allocate designated funding for these priorities, and
  • Take the leadership role in completing these priorities, working alongside other members of the

Who is involved in the DEI Advisory Board?

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board will include 5-7 members of faculty and staff.

Smaller “Priority Groups” (i.e., Subcommittees) will form from this main group to address individual priorities. The board will include people who have experience within the 5 primary objectives. The board will maintain a minimum of 50% BIPOC members.

Qualifications & Expectations of DEI Advisory Board Members

Members are expected to demonstrate alignment with our Key Values and Operating Assumptions (see above). Priority is given to prospective members who have a history of demonstrated work in DEI initiatives and/or lived experience with the consequences of racism. Members are expected to have a working knowledge of the history of systemic racism, how it continues to be present and impact our community, and an understanding that being non-racist is insufficient, and being anti-racist is necessary for progress.

People interested in joining the committee should complete an interest form, and then will be invited to speak with a member(s) of the DEI Forming Group for a brief interview.

Advisory Board Members

Dr. Carla Fagan (Social Work)
Wendy Huswit (Institutional Advancement)
Gavin Myrick (Student Belonging & Inclusion)
Dr. Kevin Swift (Mass Communications)
Dr. Kelly Walter Carney (English)