Campus Climate Task Force
for Faculty, Staff and Students of Color

diversity logoOver twenty years ago, DePauw University, under Dr. Robert G. Bottoms’ leadership, began a new phase in its institutional growth related to diversity. DePauw University serves as a leader in the academy with regard to inclusion. For example, twenty years ago, students of color represented less than two percent of the student population; today it is above thirteen percent. Providing students with a comprehensive liberal arts education means diversifying the faculty and staff, the essence of many diversity initiatives enacted on the campus. Over the past ten years faculty of color has increased from 11 percent to 12.94 percent and staff of color has increased from 5.6 percent to 8.5 percent (Watch Video: A Glimpse of Success).

The Campus Climate Task Force for Faculty, Staff and Students of Color strives to pinpoint where the University has succeeded in the past and how the University can move forward in the next 20 years. This type of change requires developing an image of what increasing diversity means for DePauw and determine who, what, where and how we can continue with our impetus (Watch Video: Vigilance). The charge (Watch Video: Formation of the CCTF) given to the Task Force from President Bottoms is:

• Identify DePauw’s 20-year span of initiatives designed to increase faculty, staff, and students of color on campus.

• Review statistics of recruitment, retention, and attrition for faculty, staff, and students of color.

• Compile working and living experiences of faculty, staff, and students of color, both positive and negative, and identify trends, challenges, and opportunities.

• Study policies, procedures, and administrative committees, which advocate for faculty, staff, and students of color. Make recommendations for continuing, revising, and/or adding structures of organizations or staff positions which will monitor the experiences of and advocate for faculty, staff and students of color.

In order to accomplish this task we will seek input from current students, faculty, and staff members. Our efforts will also extend to alum, former DePauw employees, and Greencastle residents. The Campus Climate Task Force invites your participation in this effort to add to DePauw University’s excellence.

You can contact any member of the Task Force.

Denise Hayes – Chair (Counseling and Health Services)
Neal Abraham (EVP, VPAA, and Dean of the Faculty)
Bruce Burking (Human Resources)
Raymonda L. Burgman (Economics and Management)
Doug Cox (Public Safety)
Gregory Dillon (Student Services)
Chloie Favinger (Student)
Mac Dixon-Fyle (History)
Leonard Foy (School of Music)
Bridget Gourley (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Jana Grimes (Human Resources)
Michael Manuel (Student)
Varinia Arceo (Development)
Matthew Oware (Sociology and Anthropology)
Clarissa Peterson (Political Science)