Leadership Matters
Brief Conversations with Social Justice Leaders
Across the United States, a new wave of awareness about racial inequity is shaping our discourse, relationships, and institutions. As members of a university dedicated to seeking truth and justice, we are reckoning with our own personal and collective responsibility in the struggle for equity. So, how are we doing in these efforts?
The 2020-2021 Arthur J. Schmitt Fellows offer the following series of virtual interviews with campus leaders who are working to move the dial on equity at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ. The goal is to foster 1) a shared understanding of the current state of equity at Marquette, 2) a common vision of a more equitable future at the institution, and 3) clearer insight into the practical steps necessary for reaching that future.
As you watch these short interviews, we encourage you to reflect on the issues of equity and social justice raised by these campus leaders. You might consider questions we had on our minds while conducting these interviews:
- Do I recognize the current state of equity at Marquette that these individuals are describing? What is it about my experience at Marquette that has positioned me to see or not see certain equity-related successes or, more likely, challenges?
- How do my own hopes for Marquette align or not with the interviewees’ future vision for the university?
- What is one concrete action I could take to promote the project or vision this interviewee describes?
- Is there one other person I know at Marquette who might benefit from watching this video? Might I invite them to do so?
Dr. William Welburn
Vice President for inclusive excellence, Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, click here.
Dr. Robert S. Smith
Director of the Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach (CURTO). For more information, click here.
Ms. Jacki Black
Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives, Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. For more information, click here.
Dr. Kimberly Ann Harris
Assistant Professor of Philosophy.
Dr. Grant Silva
Associate Professor of Philosophy and former coordinator of the Race, Ethnic and Indigenous Studies (REIS) program. For more information, click here.
Ms. Bianca Tocci
Doctoral Student in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology. For more information, click here.
Ms. Emma Unholz
President of Marquette Empowerment and Mr. Josue Peralta, Vice President. Marquette Empowerment is devoted to combating injustices surrounding issues of gender, race, economic class, sexual orientation and more. For more information, click .
Dr. Gerry Canavan
Associate Professor of English & Secretary-Treasurer of the Marquette Capter of the AAUP
Sarah Kizuk
Current graduate student, MAWU organizer, & 2019-2020 Schmitt Leadership Fellow. For more information, .
Mr. Jack Bartelt
Director of the Office of Disability Services. For more information, click here.
Many thanks to the students, faculty, and staff who took the time to share their experiences, insights, and hopes with us in these videos. Your dedication to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ’s mission is a gift to all its current and future members.
Questions or comments about the content of the videos? Contact Dr. Carrianne Hayslett, Associate Dean for Strategic Innovation and Academic Program Development, carrianne.hayslett@mu.edu.