Diversity and inclusion

 

At CU Denver School of Public Affairs, we believe that diversity informs our conversations, develops better leaders, leads to better decisions and is truest to our democracy. We welcome the active participation of anyone committed to improving our communities — regardless of background, experiences, viewpoints or social identity.

 

Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee

 

In 2014, CU Denver School of Public Affairs formed the Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee to develop and increase diversity and equity throughout SPA and to foster a culture of inclusion.  

 

If you have ideas for how the School of Public Affairs can best achieve our strategic goals, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Antoinette Sandoval at antoinette.sandoval@ucdenver.edu.

Committee members

  • Antoinette Sandoval, Student Services Coordinator (Co-Chair)
  • Anthony Starke, Assistant Professor (Co-Chair)
  • Joan Fishburn, Alumni Relations & Career Services Specialist
  • Mary Guy, Professor
  • Jane Hansberry, Associate Professor, Clinical Teaching Track
  • Maria Limon, Rural Community Response Manager, Center on Domestic Violence
  • Hailey McMoore, Student, Master of Public Administration Program
  • Hansen Millison, Undergraduate Academic Advisor
  • John Ronquillo, Assistant Professor
  • Sarah Staron, Student, Master of Public Administration Program
  • Scott Steinbrecher, Senior Coordinator of International Student Programs 
  • Melissa Tackett-Gibson, Senior Instructor
  • Paul Taylor, Assistant Professor
  • Lisa VanRaemdonck, Executive Director of The School of Public Affairs Institute
  • Toula Wellbrook, Director of Marketing & Communication

Strategic goals for diversity and inclusion, 2017–2020

Educating for diversity and inclusion:

 

Every student graduating from the School of Public Affairs will be trained in understanding and respecting differences and in effectively promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their own organizations and communities.

Increasing diversity in public service:

 

The School of Public Affairs will recruit, retain, and graduate increasing numbers of historically underrepresented students who are prepared for public service careers.

Recruiting for diversity:

 

The School of Public Affairs will actively recruit a diverse pool of applicants for faculty and staff positions and will require successful candidates to demonstrate a commitment to diversity as it relates to the School’s mission.

Creating an inclusive culture:

 

Faculty, staff, and students at the School of Public Affairs will create a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates contributions from many perspectives and affirms the strengths inherent in diversity.

Partnering for diversity and inclusion in the community:

 

SPA faculty, staff, and students will work with community partners to foster an inclusive and respectful civic environment, research issues related to inequity and social justice, and promote solutions designed to improve the quality of public life for all.