December 2020 - Interim Director Message

December 3, 2020 - Deborah Johnson, Ph.D.

Deborah JohnsonTo the MSU Community, I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve you as interim director of the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (I3), in this brief period. As one might expect, it has been an education and one that I hold in high esteem. I have embraced my learning in all the spaces that I have been privileged to inhabit during this time and the humbling work that must continue. I have been most inspired by the community of teachers and mentors in each of you that have imparted your wisdom of DEI by experience, by voice, and by extension of service.

During this time, I3 has continued to thrive in its work. I appreciate an extraordinarily talented team of professionals who give one thousand percent each day to provide DEI programming, education, outreach, recognition, visibility, and oversight to every corner of MSU. Our outreach for education and development has grown immensely, with our community and administrative partners we have delivered the first iteration of a required DEI learning experience. We have responded to urgent campus needs for communication, coordination, and support events and resources during this election cycle met with collective innovation and timeliness. Most of all, we hope that in these efforts and others, we have prepared the way for the highly anticipated welcome of our new Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer (VP CDO), Jabbar Bennett (video welcome).  Dr. Bennett began working with staff in I3 over the last month to ensure a smooth transition. Starting December 1, 2020, he officially commences his role as the VP CDO at MSU. Dr. Bennett will be addressing the campus later this month.

Much is changing and nothing is as it was 9 months ago, the pandemic has ensured this for us.  Despite a bit of weariness, we persist, we create and transform, and yes, we make mistakes and own them, and still, we continue to thrive as a campus with a persistent eye on building a community that brings a sense of belonging to each of us. And why? Because there is now in which we prepare and there is what comes after, where we will reside for a long time.  I am proud of the calculations and developments for DEI underway across this University and the hope that these directions bring. I will be continuing to do my part in the spaces I inhabit and supporting you wherever I can.   

Have a great holiday season!

Deborah J. Johnson