A Message from the Council for Equity and Community

Dear Lehigh Staff, Faculty and Students,

As we come to the end of the academic year, the members of the CEC continue their work to build a welcoming, supportive campus community.

The CEC is creating a sub-group of students who will be actively engaged in our work, and we hope to have that in place by the start of the academic year in late August.

We are making progress on additional activities, including the following:

•        Soon, we will be welcoming one of the most diverse classes to enter Lehigh. The number of students of color is our largest on record and we want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of Leon Washington, CEC member and vice provost of admissions, and his staff for their targeted efforts on recruitment and on improving the on-campus, overnight programs for students of color.
•        Angela Scott, CEC member and director of Academic Diversity and Outreach, is leading the transformation of UMOJA House, making it a more vital academic and social space.
•        Tyrone Russell, CEC member and director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), is leading the launch of the pilot Summer Scholars Institute. The Institute will serve 35 first-generation students in an intensive, three-week experience designed to help the students prepare for life at Lehigh. It is supported by OMA and the provost’s office.
•        We welcome Rabbi Danielle Stillman, the new director of Jewish student life at Lehigh. Lloyd Steffen, CEC member, professor of religion studies and University Chaplain, was a co-chair of the search committee for this role.
•        We also welcome Joe Sterrett, Murray F. Goodman Dean of Athletics, who joins Professor Jennifer Swann and Lori McClaind, assistant dean of academic transitions, as CEC chairs.

Please continue to reach out to us to share your own updates and questions and to find ways to get involved in campus inclusion work.  Feel free to contact any of the members of the executive committee, who are listed below, or to contact any individuals who serve on the CEC. You can read more at http://www4.lehigh.edu/diversity/cec.