Counseling and Higher Education Faculty Diversity Statements

Higher Education Faculty

"I believe it is important to move past lip service when it comes to diversity and social justice issues. To affect change, we have to develop the intellectual tools and political savvy to understand and challenge structural inequality. My goal as an educator is to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to help students advocate for more equitable systems." —Dr. Laura Harrison

"College is a time of great opportunity for discovery about identity, culture, and community. As someone who has been around college campuses for over 40 years, I recognize that learning about diversity and social justice issues is not about a destination, but a journey filled with amazement, deep joy, and profound personal challenge. As an educator, I believe my role is to expose students to people and ideas that help them love who they are; to learn about, acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of others; and to develop the tools and skills to shape local and global communities that honor everyone’s potential." —Dr. Peter Mather

Higher education scholarship must directly address issues of inclusion locally, nationally, and globally. As an instructor, I help students consider their agency in promoting inclusionary educational practices. As an out scholar who is part of the LGBTQI+ community in the U.S., I recognize that each of us with the privilege to live in a society free from persecution must consider our responsibility to contribute to international human rights dialogue. There is a long way to go until all of us enjoy the liberty that some have finally come to know. —Dr. Nicholas Stroup

"As an Asian woman and faculty member who came from a foreign country, I know I only can thrive in a campus culture that ensures diversity, inclusivity and equity. This culture is what I am committed to nurturing and maintaining among all the students in my classes. The overarching theme of my higher education research is education equity, which is primarily examined from the financial and international perspectives. I also actively advocate for minority students and faculty through my service activities at the university and in the Athens County community." —Dr. Lijing Yang