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The Center for Diversity and Inclusion

The Principle & Quality of Leadership

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, attended DePauw in 1919.

21st President of DePauw: Dr. Lori White

Dr. White photo during historic inauguration day!

LORI S. WHITE was appointed the 21st president of DePauw University on March 4, 2020, and began her term on July 1, 2020. Most recently, she was the vice chancellor for student affairs and a professor of practice at Washington University in St. Louis.


Vice President of Institutional Equity: Dr. Dionne Jackson

Dr. Dionne Jackson headshot

DIONNE JACKSON has spent her career focused on supporting and ensuring equity in education and the community. She comes from the mayor’s office in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she has spent the past year as the city’s inaugural chief equity officer. She previously was vice president for diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer and a tenured associate professor of education at her undergraduate alma mater, Hendrix College, a liberal arts institution in Conway, Arkansas.


CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Holbrook Hankinson, PHD Holbrook Hankinson, PHD Executive Director of the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Part-Time Assistant Professor of University Studies (he/him/his)

holbrookhankinson@depauw.edu 765-658-4065 Office 216

Holbrook Hankinson, PhD joined DePauw University's Justin and Darianne Christian Center for Diversity & Inclusion in July 2021 as its Executive Director. The Center's mission is to "support student success and facilitate cultural transitions through programming, advocacy, and community building." Prior to DePauw, he was Vice President and Chief Learning Officer for Delta Air Lines Global Services; Executive Vice President for Human Resources and Organization Development for Standard Management Corporation; and Senior Director of US Training, Learning, and Development for McDonald's Corporation. He has advised companies in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia on OD-related engagements with a global consulting firm. He teaches two courses at DePauw: Designing Your Life, and Leading in Business and Beyond. He is the DePauw chapter advisor for the National Society of Leadership and Success Honor Society and is an associate of the Institute for Postindustrial Leadership at the University of Indianapolis and is a former president of the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis.

Joseph Harris Joseph Harris Assistant Director of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (he/him/his)

josephharris@depauw.edu 765-658-4850 Office 215

Joseph Harris joined the Center for Diversity and Inclusion in November of 2019. He is originally from Maryland and graduated from Bowie State University with a Degree in History with a concentration in Pan-African Studies. He has presented or participated in numerous projects concerning diversity at all levels of education, including presenting on the praxis of teaching diverse literature at the National Council for Teachers of English (NTCE). He is currently a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University’s college of education with a specialization in urban education and literacy. In his spare time, he is a book reviewer for the website “Black Nerd Problems”.

Troyanna Jefferson Troyanna Jefferson Coordinator of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion she/her/hers

troyannajefferson@depauw.edu 765-658-4355 Office 213

Troyanna Jefferson joined DePauw University in May of 2021. She is a proud Indiana native and alumna of Goshen College, brings a rich background in Communication Across Cultures and Race, Class, & Ethnic Relations to her work. Currently, as a Coordinator for the CDI, Troyanna organizes student-centered programs and works with students to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. She seamlessly integrates her expertise into the day-to-day operations, ensuring the CDI's mission of promoting student success, advocacy, belonging, and retention is fulfilled. Troyanna's enduring passion for Young Adult Ministry remains a focal point guiding her contributions within the CDI.