The University Diversity Council is charged with advocating for equity, diversity and inclusion across all areas of the university and serving as a guide to Chancellor Daniel Diermeier and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Cybele Raver to build on existing strengths and identify areas of growth. The council is also charged with making periodic strategic recommendations to the Chancellor and Provost on ways the university can further inclusive excellence among faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral fellows and promote a welcoming and respectful environment on campus and in the greater Nashville community.
The council is chaired by Dr. André L. Churchwell, vice chancellor for equity diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer. The council includes members from across the Vanderbilt community—faculty, staff, students, postdoctoral fellows and alumni—who serve in both ex officio at at-large positions.
2020-21 University Diversity Council
Committee Chair
- André L. Churchwell, vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion and chief diversity officer
Faculty
| Name/title | Representation |
| Xiu Cravens, associate professor of the practice of educational policy, associate dean for international affairs, Peabody College | At large |
| Stephanie Devane-Johnson, associate professor of nursing, School of Nursing | At large |
| Forrest E. Harris Sr., professor of the practice of ministry, director of the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies, Divinity School | At large |
| William Luis, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Humanities and professor of Spanish, College of Arts and Science; chair, Faculty Senate Standing Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | ex officio |
| Jennifer Shinall , professor of law, Law School | At large |
| Kimberly Pace, professor for the practice of communication, Owen Graduate School of Management | At large |
| Jose Sibaja, associate professor of trumpet, Blair School | At large |
Staff
| Name/title | Representation |
| Neha Khetan, project manager, Division of Communications | At large |
| Marsha Carter, administrative support professional, Division of Administration | At large |
| David Caudel, associate director, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation | At large |
| Dawnyell Fletcher, assistant director for academic support, Athletics | At large |
| Antonio Robinson, USAC equity, diversity, and inclusion ad-hoc committee co-chair | ex officio |
| Yasmine Mukahal, talent acquisition team lead, Human Resources | At large |
| Joanne Wang, director of professional and master’s programs, School of Engineering | At large |
| Christina Fly, Facilities | At large |
Undergraduate, graduate and professional students
| Name/title | Representation |
| Carcia Carson, graduate student | ex officio, Vanderbilt Graduate Student Council vice president |
| Veer Shah, undergraduate student | ex officio, Vanderbilt Student Government president |
| Olivia Dominguez, undergraduate student | ex officio, Multicultural Leadership Council president |
| Iriza Baranyanka, undergraduate student | At Large, International Student Council, representative |
| Logan Northcutt, graduate student | ex officio, Organization of Black Graduate and Professional Students, president |
| Rachel Roche, undergraduate student | ex officio, Vanderbilt Interfaith Council, president |
| Loveis Jackson, undergraduate student | ex officio, Black Student Association, president |
Postdoctoral Fellows
| Name/title | Representation |
| Marva Goodson, postdoctoral fellow | At large |
| ReAnna Roby, senior co-chair | ex officio, Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association senior co-chair |
Alumni
| Name/title | Representation |
| Charleson Bell, BE'07 & MS'09, School of Engineering; Graduate School | ex officio, Dores of Distinction, chair |
| Valerie Williams, BE'95, School of Engineering | ex officio, Association of Vanderbilt Black Alumni, president |