Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit

The annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Summit provides a space for staff, faculty and student leaders to be in community and conversation on key DEI topics, the latest progress of TU's inaugural Diversity Strategic Plan and related institutional priorities, as well as concrete strategies, tools and resources for everyone to play a part in maintaining progress toward our shared goals.

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A Model For Inclusive Excellence

As a three-time HEED Award-winning institution, TU continues to gain national prominence for the ongoing pursuit of inclusive excellence, which we ground in the premise that our ongoing success is dependent on our capacity to shift perspectives and approaches and strategically, intentionally place diversity, equity and inclusion at the core of our mission through academic programs and environment, leadership and mentoring, community engagement, day-to-day decision-making, interpersonal relationships, collaborations and organizational culture.

Who Should Attend

The summit is designed for campus and civic leaders, educators and administrators to deepen individual and organizational racial literacy. The following groups will find the summit particularly beneficial:

  • TU staff, faculty and administrators
  • Invited TU student leaders representing colleges, departments and organizations
  • Staff and faculty from USM partner institutions
  • other university and college staff

Summit Details

Keynote Speaker

Rasul Wright

Rasul Wright '22 Fall Towson University

Keynote address on Advancing Equity in Education in the United States: The Student Perspective.

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Following the keynote, a DEI panel will discuss discrimination in housing and employment and how they impact upward mobility and equity in education, paired with a discussion of how acknowledging social class is a crucial component of DEI progress.

Panel Members and Discussants

Demetria McCain

Demetria McCain, Esq

Principal Assistant Deputy Secretary, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, HUD

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Nicole Monson

Nicole Monson, Esq

Senior Vice President, Equity and Engagement, Estee Lauder

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alexei kolesnikov

Alexei S. Kolesnikov, PhD

Professor, Director of the Applied Mathematics Lab, Director, Office of Undergraduate Research

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Becky Martinez

Becky Martinez, EdD

Organizational Development Consultant and Author, Straddling Class in the Academy

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After lunch, OIIE and critical campus partners will present the university's progress toward creating a more diverse and inclusive campus.

Summit Schedule

The summit is a live, in-person event with no virtual access options. As we are planning for deep, meaningful discussion—we have opted not to record this session with the hopes that all participants will fully engage with us in a safe space and place.

Time Item
8:30 to 9 a.m. Breakfast
9 to 9:20 a.m. Vice President Patricia Bradley Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
9:20 to 9:40 a.m. President Kim Schatzel Welcomes Attendees
9:40 to 10 a.m. Keynote Speaker
10 to 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Panel Discussion
12 to 12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 to 1:50 p.m. Session with Author, Becky Martinez and Tabletop Discussion
1:50 to 2 p.m. Break
2 to 2:10 p.m. Strategic Plan Discussion
2:10 to 2:20 p.m. Student Affairs - Vernon Hurte, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and University Life
2:20 to 2:40 p.m. Academic Affairs - Iona Johnson, Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
2:40 to 3 p.m. Office of Human Resources - Steve Jones, Vice President of Operations and Chief Human Resources Officer
3 p.m. Vice President Patricia Bradley Closes Summit
3 to 4 p.m. Network and Reception

FAQs

The summit takes place once per year, usually in the fall semester. The 2022 DEI Summit will be on Friday, Nov. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The summit will be held on campus in West Village Commons Ballrooms. West Village Commons is located on the west side of main campus.

The DEI Summit is open to TU staff and faculty at no cost (pre-registration required). For USM partner institutions and all other interested participants the cost is $20 USD but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Registration details are forthcoming.

Parking will be available in the West Village Commons Garage behind West Village Commons, signs and parking attendants will guide you. Please visit Physical Accessibility for more information. If using public transportation, be sure to plan accordingly and allocate additional time to travel.

You can find detailed maps on the Campus Map. The official address for the West Village Commons is: 

West Village Commons
424 Emerson Drive
Towson, MD 21204

From I-95 (northbound and southbound):
Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 west (toward Towson). Take exit 25 South (Charles Street) and continue one mile. Turn left at the traffic light onto Towsontown Boulevard. Turn right at the traffic light onto Emerson Drive. The garage will be on your right.

From I-83 (northbound and southbound):
Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 east (toward Towson). Take exit 25 South (Charles Street) and continue one mile. Turn left at the traffic light onto Towsontown Boulevard. Turn right at the traffic light onto Emerson Drive. The garage will be on your right.

From I-70 (eastbound):
Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 north (toward Towson). Take exit 25 South (Charles Street) and continue one mile. Turn left at the traffic light onto Towsontown Boulevard. Turn right at the traffic light onto Emerson Drive. The garage will be on your right.

From Baltimore (Penn Station):
Proceed north on Charles Street for five miles. Turn right on Towsontown Boulevard. Turn right at the traffic light onto Emerson Drive. The garage will be on your right.

Every effort will be made to accommodate our guests with special needs. When registering for the summit, please indicate any special needs you may have. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at .

Please contact us at or by calling us at 410-704-0203 for any questions or concerns regarding the summit.