President's Council on Equity and Inclusion
The President’s Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion was established in 2017 with a mission of educating leaders, both at and produced by Loyola, for a diverse and changing world with a commitment to diversity as a necessary component of academic excellence. Made up of administrators, faculty and staff, the council is charged with establishing, promoting, and advancing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of university function.
The Council’s aim is to foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere at Loyola by spearheading initiatives such as:
- Serving as an advisory board to the President and the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer
- Reviewing recruitment, enrollment, hiring, retention, and business practices to enhance diversity and inclusion at all levels, supporting the mission of the institution
- Assessing and addressing campus climate through related training and educational opportunities that engage difference and promote a culture of belonging and accountability for all community members
- Supporting campus affinity groups for students and employees
- Engaging and partnering with the city of Baltimore
- Maintaining external engagement on diversity and equity boards, alumni, etc.
2024-2025 Council Members
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Rodney Parker | Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer |
| Robbie Bishop-Monroe (Spring 2025) | Assistant Professor, Sellinger School of Business |
| Milton Bravo | Vice President, Mission and Identity |
| Rita Buettner | Director, University Communications |
| Pat Cassidy | Director, LGBTQIA+ Student Services |
| Ravens Williams Cuffee | Director, Thrive Center for Student Success |
| Toya Dailey-Smith | Assistant Director, Human Resources |
| Irem Demirkan (Fall 2024) | Associate Dean, Sellinger School of Business |
| Elise Fields | Program Assistant, Writing Department/ Modern Languages and Literatures Department |
| Tracey Frey | Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness |
| Sheila Glee | EVS Lead Supervisor, Facilities |
| Whitney Hobson | Assistant Director of Social Justice, Counseling Center |
| Jacolby Lacy | Undergraduate Student Representative |
| Rhona Little | Diversity and Inclusion Specialist |
| Jennifer Louden | Dean, Undergraduate Admission |
| Scott McCabe | Assistant Director, Events Services |
| Gia Grier McGinnis | Executive Director, CCSJ |
| Fr. Bao Nguyen | Assistant Director, International Jesuit Collaborations |
| Toja Okoh | Associate Professor, Loyola College of Arts and Sciences |
| Caitlyn Shannon | Graduate Student Representative |
| Qi Shi | Associate Professor, School of Education |
| Saima Sitwat | Assistant Director of Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministry, Campus Ministry |
| David Tiscione | Director, Office of Title IX and Bias Compliance |
| Marcia Wiedefeld | Director, Disability and Accessibility Services |
For more information about the President’s Council on Equity and Inclusion, please contact Rodney Parker, Ph.D., at officeoftheceio@loyola.edu.