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Diversity and Inclusion

Community of Connection for BIBOC Students

KSUnite DEIB Conference Day 1 - November 14, 2022 - Breakout Sessions Period 1 (2:30pm-3:20pm)
Room 227

K-State has goals for closing opportunity gaps related to student retention and graduation (Action Step #4). To meet these goals, the university needs to inventory and make visible the many programs and resources designed to support BIPOC student success. We also need to identify and fill gaps in this network of support and enrichment. This session will engage faculty, staff, and students who are actively working on DEIB initiatives to brainstorm possible central supports or infrastructure that, if provided, could accelerate program development designed to close resource gaps. What would it take to connect every BIPOC student to the resources we know are effective in promoting sense of belonging, confidence, and academic success? Presenters will provide information on the Community of Connection project, an initiative that received strategic investment funding, and will invite input from participants on the challenges and pain points that this project could attempt to resolve.

DEIB Challenge Level: Intermediate

Presenters

Jeannie Brown Leonard

Dr. Jeannie Brown Leonard
Vice Provost for Student Success

Dr. Brown Leonard joined K-State in January 2020 to provide vision and leadership for university units and programs that focus on retention and student success. Student Success 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 team 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.

Dr. 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.

Tonya Winston

Tonya Winston
Student Success Program Coordinator

Ms. Tonya Winston joined K-State in August 2022 to lead and support the Community of Connection DEIB initiative that received strategic investment funding for the 2022-24 academic years.

Ms. Winston brings to K-State over 18 years of experience in business development collaborating with major Fortune 500 companies, government, and educational organizations. Winston also is a small business owner and served on the inaugural BIPOC Board for the City of Cambridge (Massachusetts). Ms. Winston earned her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Purdue University.

 

 

 

 

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