DEI Councils

In this Section

Mission for DEI Council

Mission

Mission

Is a diverse group of employees and students, that acts on behalf of Wingate University to ignite and lead the diversity and inclusion process.
Will work closely with leaders across the institution, and help institutionalize human capital and student practices that accelerate and support DEI goals.
Helps to create strategic accountability for results, provides governance and oversight on diversity efforts, and distribute company-wide communication on progress.
Will integrate the DEI program with the University’s mission, strategies, operations, and business objectives, ensuring that the values of DEI pervade every fabric of institutional life and decision-making.
Is a critical driver in fostering real change, establishing a dedicated focus on diversity and inclusion priorities, and managing the DEI programs. Moreover, the Council will provide platforms for overseeing and assessing the effectiveness of the DEI initiatives and introducing reform when needed. In short, the council will both create and champion new practices as well as seek to complement existing activities.
Ensure university experiential learning opportunities work to offer broader perspectives (e.g. service learning that steers away from dominant culture-focused programming; study abroad beyond Europe and more programming geared towards multicultural audiences; seeking out underrepresented students for research and internship opportunities, etc.)
Promote ethical marketing/recruitment efforts for equal (but not over) representation of groups.
The Council will connect DEI activities to a broader, results-oriented strategy.

DEI Council

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council's mission is to work together to ignite and lead the diversity and inclusion process at the university. The council serves as a critical driver in fostering change by developing and championing policies, procedures or activities to create a welcoming environment for the campus community. The current members of the council are:

Jennifer Armentrout, director of international programs
Dr. Rhett Brown, university president
Sergio Castello, dean of the Porter B. Byrum School of Business
Dr. Reeti Douglas, assistant professor of occupational therapy
Dr. Tarra Ellis, assistant professor of education
Dr. Antonio Jefferson, assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion
Marcus Kirkland, director of diversity and inclusion for athletics
Dr. Candace Lapan, assistant professor of psychology
Sherri Satterfield, vice president of human resources
Dr. Eric Schneider, vice provost for institutional effectiveness
Ben Sidbury, general counsel and chief of staff
Dr. April Smith, assistant vice president for community standards

DEI Council

Jennifer Armentrout

Executive Director of Global Engagement

Dr. Rhett Brown

President

Dr. Sergio Castello

Dean, Porter B. Byrum School of Business

Dr. Reeti Douglas

Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Assistant Professor

Dr. Tarra Ellis

Associate Professor, Education, History & Education Program Coordinator, edTPA Coordinator

Dr. Antonio Jefferson

Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Marcus Kirkland

Associate Head Coach, Men's Basketball , Director of Athletics Diversity and Inclusion

Candace Lapan

Assistant Professor, Psychology

Sherri Satterfield

VP of Human Resources

Eric Schneider

Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness

Ben Sidbury

General Counsel and Senior Vice President

Dr. April Smith

Assistant Vice President for Community Standards

Student DEI Council

Wingate University's Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council cultivates an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students through action and engagement in anti-discriminatory practices, anti-racism education, student empowerment, and campus integration.

2021-2022 Members

Ra'saun Lakeith Elliott, Vocal Performance, '22
Paris Friday, Doctor of Pharmacy, '23
Carla Gomez Laguna, Political Science, '22
Devansh J. Mehta, Political Science, '24
Janvi Patel, Finance, '23
Terrigin Pompey, Biology, '24
Jayda E. Prezeau, Pre-Med, '23

Taylor Stachnik, Psychology, '22
Jessica Thomas, Biology (Pre-PA), '24
Briana N. Tompkins, Nursing, '23
Emiyah M. Watkins, Political Science, '23
Leila-Therese Woel, Criminal Justice, '23
Alisha Woodside, Doctor of OT, '23