Dr. Saldívar Takes on OCAT leadership role

July 13, 2022 - Patti L. Stewart

As we wish a wonderful colleague well on his next adventures, I am reminded of the words Maya Angelou offers us, “…people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Dr. Samuel Saldívar joined our unit and the education team as the multicultural education coordinator for IDI in September of 2020 – in the midst of the pandemic.

The work we do requires a deep connection with people that goes beyond surface collegiality, and anyone that has worked with Sam understands that he puts his whole heart into the conversation- even if it is completely online.

In less than two years, he has engaged with well over a thousand faculty, staff and students in programs designed to build more inclusive communities at MSU and beyond.

A gifted storyteller, his sharing of personal experiences captivates participants and helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the imperative to contribute to an institution that values feelings of belonging and equity.

We reflect on the many significant contributions he has made to our office as a skilled and thoughtful facilitator and curriculum developer, but most of all I am grateful for the impact he has had on our education team.

On July 1, he began his new role as the director of the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions.

We look forward to continued opportunities to engage with Dr. Saldívar in his new position and the ongoing work to make MSU a more inclusive community for all of our students, staff and faculty.