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Diversity and Inclusion

What we do and where we should go to support BIPOC student success: A listening session

Share summary results from the BIPOC Student Success Program Inventory identifying institutional strengths and gaps across the student lifecycle. Invite students, faculty, and staff to share their impressions of strengths and gaps at K-State. Explore with participants whether a framework for BIPOC Student Success adopted by a federal granting agency (HHMI) and the Meyerhoff Scholars program at UMBC resonates with their lived experience. Brainstorm opportunities for making a real, lasting difference in our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging goals. 

Time: 3:00pm     Location: K-State Student Union, Bluemont Room & Zoom
Zoom Link Passcode: 135967
Level: Introductory

Presenters

Jeannie Brown Leonard

Dr. Jeannie Brown Leonard 
Vice Provost for Student Success

Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Dr. Brown Leonard joined K-State in January 2020 to provide leadership in support of the university’s Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) initiatives. The Student Success unit helps all K-State students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals by offering enrichment and support. The unit collaborates frequently with the Colleges, Student Life, and Enrollment Management. Dr. Brown Leonard serves on the K-State Core Teams charged with promoting access as well as equitable educational outcomes for students from underrepresented populations. Over a 30 year career in higher education, Dr. Brown Leonard has used data to improve program effectiveness and promote student success in a range of institutional contexts.


Brown Leonard earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Holyoke College, an Med in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Vermont, and a PhD in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland. 

Kimathi Choma

Dr. Kimathi Choma
Assistant Dean of Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention 

College of Arts and Sciences

Student Ombudsperson

Kansas State University

As Assistant Dean, Choma develops and guides the comprehensive strategy for diversity, retention, recruitment and inclusion for the college. He also leads efforts to advance inclusion initiatives and practices for underrepresented groups within the college.

Choma earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Messiah College in Grantham, Pennsylvania, in 1997 before completing two years of graduate-level chemistry course work at the University of South Dakota in preparation for veterinary medical school. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University in May 2007 and earned his Master of Public Health from the university in 2013.

"As someone who is passionate about diversity and strives to promote student academic and professional success at the undergraduate and the graduate levels, I believe the objectives of the position parallel my professional goals and recent experiences. Much of my experience has centered around the student perspective, however, I am excited to work with faculty, staff and various entities to enhance the Kansas State experience and to service the needs of those within the College of Arts and Sciences."

Dr. Choma was appointed Student Ombudsperson in spring 2021. “As the student ombudsperson, Choma will provide guidance and direction to students regarding climate concerns, and will observe and report on trends, areas of concern, and opportunities to enhance and sustain a campus characterized by respect for all students.” His student ombudsperson office is located in 101J Holton Hall, 785-532-319, studentombuds@ksu.edu.