Advisory Boards and Councils

Mission

The Kent State University Diversity Advisory Board will advise and recommend strategies for the advancement of diversity and inclusion, examine ways to highlight important findings and generate funds to aid in the persistence through graduation of underrepresented and underserved students.

Diversity Advisory Board 

Board Chair

Mrs. Roxia Boykin, '71

Emeritus Chair

Mr. Gary Stiffler, '81

Kent State University Executive Leadership

Mrs. Alfreda Brown, EdD.

Board Members

Ms. Patricia A. Ackerman, PhD., '83

Mr. Stephen Ashley, '75

Ms. Sharlene Chesnes, '93

Mr. Michael Kavulic, PhD., '17

Mrs. Dana Lawless-Andric, '01

Ms. Rhonda Lawrence

Ms. Ruth Price Rollins, '73, '75

Ms. Ruth Washington, PhD.

Mrs. Sonya Williams, '89

Board Administrative Support 

Ms. Brianna Molitor, '17

Mr. Carmen Roberts, '18

Questions/Information

Any questions pertaining to the Diversity Advisory Board are to be routed to Diversity_Advisory_Board@listserv.kent.edu or by calling the Office of the Vice President at (330) 672-2442.

LGBTQ Student Center Staff/Faculty Advisory Council

The Center also has an advisory council made up of university faculty and staff. The members of the advisory council are listed below.

Steven Antalvari

Chair of Council

University Advising Director University College

Suzanne Holt

Associate Professor & Director of Woman’s Studies

Faculty advisor PRIDE! Kent.

Molly Merryman

Associate Professor of Sociology

Wayne Elliott

Honors Coordinator in the Honors College

Dan Nadon

Professor of Theatre

N.J. Akbar

Minority Studies Recuit/Retention Director

College of Education Health & Human Services

Amanda Leu

Academic Advisor

College of Commun. and Information

Nick Vasiloff

Education Abroad Advisor & Program Coordinator

Office of Global Education

Patrick Dugan

Assistant Director

Residence Services

Alicia Robinson

Assistant Director 

Women's Centers

Angie Hull

Assistant Athletic Director

Academic and Compliance Services

Courtney Calhoun

Director, Compliance and EO/AA

Compliance and EOAA

Patricia Dennison

Interim, Student Ombuds

Office of Student Affairs

The Hispanic Leadership Council (HLC) is a diverse group of student leaders, faculty and staff with a special affinity to the Latinx/Hispanic identity. A forum where voices are heard, ideas are birthed, innovation happens, and strategies are planned to strengthen the presence and impact of individuals who contribute to the rich and diverse culture of the Kent State community, and whose perspectives are known to add incredible value.

The HLC partners with student and staff organizations as well as Centers, Departments, and Faculty members to provide opportunities for the Kent State Community to learn about and engage with the Latinx/Hispanic Culture. 

To get involved in any of these efforts, email Natasha Curtis. 

The Student Diversity Action Council (SDAC) is a student-led committee with the purpose of engaging students and multicultural student groups about diversity matters and providing a unique perspective to the Kent State Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

SDAC empowers students, encourages responsible youth leadership and enables students to be a positive force for change in their communities. The executive committee is delegated with the responsibilities of hosting forums, public meetings and relaying information with DEI and appropriate university officials.

The Student Diversity Action Council is a current initiative by the University Diversity Action Council.

Student Diversity Action Council  Application

The Role and Mission of the University Diversity Action Council (UDAC)

1. Provide advice to the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) on diversity matters.
2. Serve as a leadership council for university-wide diversity related matters.
3. Collect relevant data and communicate diversity progress from colleges and divisions.
4. Ensure that the diversity initiatives of colleges and divisions translate the university-wide strategic diversity action plan.
5. Serve as an advocate for the diversity agenda at Kent State University.
6. Attend a monthly meeting or arrange for an alternate to attend if not available.

2018-2019 Meeting Schedule

October 19, 2018 Opening Retreat

• Kent State University Hotel located in Kent,Ohio, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

November 30, 2018

December (No December meeting scheduled.)

January 25, 2019

February 22, 2019

March 22, 2019

April 26, 2019 (Meeting will be held in a TBD room).

May 10, 2019

• All regular meetings will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and wrap-up by 11:00 a.m.
• Regular meetings will be held in the Governance Chambers on the second floor of the Kent Student Center (Kent campus).
• If you require polycom, please contact DEI at 330-672-2442 or diversity@kent.edu.

Women’s Center Action Council 

The WCAC consists of Women’s Center staff, a Women's Studies representative, regional campus ambassadors and Chairs/Co-Chairs of working groups.

• Meetings: 2nd Friday of the Month, Noon-1:30 pm, Williamson House, 1st Floor Conference Room

Working Groups 

These groups work on specific areas of focus for the Women’s Center with yearly goals and outcomes. Everyone is encouraged to get involved based on their area of interest and passion. We welcome faculty, staff, students and community members of all identities to participate.

Time commitment and meetings vary by working group and by semester. To get involved or learn more reach out to one of the co-chairs listed below.

Join a Working Group

Women's Studies Representative (and Affiliates)

Having a cohesive and supportive connection between Women's Studies and the Women's Center is imperative to the work of both of our areas. Thinking about becoming a Women's Studies Affiliate or interested in learning more?

To get involved and to learn more contact Dr. Suzanne Holt, Director Women's Studies Program sholt@kent.edu.

Regional Campus Ambassadors

We honor and appreciate the variety of interests and needs of the women on the regional campuses. Share your voice and perspective and help create community around issues impacting women on your campus.

Two opportunities:  

• Share your passion about women's leadership, equity and action as  a point person on your regional campus 

• Join a working group

To get involved and to learn more contact Alicia Robinson, Assistant Director, Women's Center arobin16@kent.edu.

Additional Opportunities

If you are interested in started additional working groups such as Alumni, International Women, Fundraising, Community Outreach or others, please reach out to Cassie Pegg-Kirby, Director of the Women's Center, at cpeggkir@kent.edu