Division of
Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion

Initiatives

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These programs were developed as part of Roos Advocate for Community Change (RACC). Explore the programs to see how Roos are taking action to change the UMKC community for the better.

Roo Advocates

Roo Advocates are members of a chancellor-appointed working group who are responsible for generating, implementing and supporting efforts that position UMKC as a resource for Black and other persons of color. Comprised of Executive Council members, this group ensures that UMKC students, faculty and staff are being heard and engaged in discussions and actions that improve the quality of life on campus.

  • Dr. Makini King, Chair, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Lona Davenport, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
  • Karen English, Foundation
  • Yvonne Hood, Division of Diversity and Inclusion
  • Kimberly Johnson, Multicultural Student Affairs
  • Carla Marquina, Multicultural Student Affairs
  • Brandon Martin, Athletics
  • Maria Meyers, Innovation Center
  • Lynn O'Dell, Student Involvement

Black Student Leaders Task Force

Black student leaders in collaboration with UMKC administrators are working to make UMKC’s campus reflective UMKC’s diverse student body. This partnership led to the commission of a unity plot, which commemorates the historical and current importance of the nine Black Greek organizations, or National Pan Hellenic Council. This garden, called the Divine Gardens, will be located on the historical quad. Students and administrators are currently working on the design and fundraising for this important project.

 

Additionally, administrators are helping Black students on campus fundraise for scholarship opportunities. If you would like to contribute, you can do so here.

 

  • Nabil Abas, Co-Chair
  • Jailyn Polk, Co-Chair
  • Keichanda Dees-Burnett, Advisor
  • Kimberly Johnson, Advisor
  • Brandon Martin, Advisor

Building and Scholarship Naming Task Force

Taskforce completed work

  • Dr. Makini King, Chair
  • Jennifer Ingraham
  • Yvonne Hood
  • Sandy Rodriguez
  • Cindy Thompson
  • Brandy Williams

Critical Conversations

UMKC is convening regional leaders for tough conversations our community needs to have about race. Throughout the academic year there will be a series of town halls on related topics. To register for upcoming events or view past events, see details below.

Watch 2020-21 Critical Conversations

Dr. Makini King

Dr. Michele Smith

Dr. Brandon Martin

Dr. Kimberly Johnson

Mr. Gary O'Bannon

Yvonne Hood

Lona Davenport

Carla Marquina

Digital Equity Working Group

The purpose of UMKC Digital Equity Working Group is to engage actively through teaching, research, service and convening with local government and diverse community stakeholders to advocate for digital inclusion and equity in affordable access to high-speed internet, devices to use it, and educational and training opportunities to promote its adoption and use.

  • Tony Luppino, Chair
  • Nate Addington
  • Carolyn Barber
  • Brian Boots
  • Tamara Clark Sykes
  • Carrie Coogan
  • Aaron Deacon
  • Carmen DeHart
  • Abigail Eccher
  • Tom Esselman
  • Gabriel Fumero
  • Andy Goodenow
  • Gwen Grant
  • Amanda Graor
  • Clara Irazabal-Zurita
  • Troy Lillebo
  • Davon Mansaw
  • Harrison May
  • Ina Montgomery
  • Brent Never
  • Dina Newman
  • Mikah Thompson
  • Rick Usher
  • William Wells
  • Jauqua Wilkins
  • Jordan Williams

Latino Experience Working Group

The Latinx Experience Working Group will initially be charged with tackling the concerns expressed during the Latinx Student Experience Forum held on July 30, 2020.

These concerns were further articulated by Latino student representatives who met with Chancellor Agrawal and others on August 28, 2020:

  • Strengthen UMKC/Hispanic Development Fund Partnership Scholarships
  • University Support for Cambio para Cambio Fundraiser Competition
  • Recruitment and Retention of Latino Students, Faculty and Staff
  • Outreach/Recruitment Events
  • Explore Reviving Scholarship Breakfast
  • Better Exposure for Race, Ethnic and Gender Studies (REGS) Department
We anticipate that the scope of the group will broaden as the work evolves and other issues are discovered.

Faculty and Staff

  • Sally Ellis Fletcher
  • Kimberly Johnson
  • Ricardo Marte
  • Arselyn (Arzie) Umail
  • Alberto Villamandos

Student

  • Christopher Aguilar
  • Daniel Roman-Garcia
  • Daisy Garcia Montoya
  • Lauren-Lolis Orozo
  • Lady Venegas

Professional Development

UMKC commits to providing training for all faculty and staff by the end of 2020 to recognize and address microagressions and implicit bias. Trainings on additional topics will follow.

Recruiting and Retention Task Force

UMKC has instituted many policies and practices aimed at better recruiting and retaining minority faculty, staff and students. This group will review progress and practices to ensure that our campus is reflective of the Kansas City community.

Review of Policies

The chancellor has initiated reviews of hiring and recruitment policies to ensure that they meet national standards and encourage diversity. Similarly, all policies and procedures of the UMKC Police Department are under review to ensure the highest standards.

  • Carol Hintz, Chair
  • Sharon Lindenbaum, Chair

Troost to Prospect Partnerships

Uniquely situated to be a resource for those in the urban core, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is identifying and implementing community engagement strategies, especially in partnership with our neighbors along the Troost to Prospect corridor. To do so, UMKC will seek ways to link neighbors to leverage growth, spotlight and support small businesses and community-based organizations and continue to collaborate with our Troost to Prospect neighbors on issues of importance to the community.

  • Maria Meyers, Chair
  • Jannete Berkley-Patton, Chair
  • Nate Addington
  • Collaborators:
    • Paul Tosh
    • Ye wang
    • Daniel Smith, The Porter House

UMKC Inventory/Community Connect

We are taking stock of all the programs, initiatives and research that we have in place to aid and support our diverse communities.

  • Kimberly Johnson, Chair
  • Nate Addington
  • Jannette Berkley-Patton
  • Carole Bowe-Thompson
  • Virginia (Dee) Evans
  • Jenny Miller
  • Dina Newman
  • Alexis Petri

Virtual Resource Center

This is a much-needed, comprehensive resource the Greater Kansas City community can use to help answer questions or solve challenges around diversity, equity and inclusion.

View virtual resource center

  • Kimberly Johnson, Chair
  • Jannette Berkley-Patton
  • Tracy Hughes
  • Tony Luppino
  • Maria Meyers
  • Brent Never
  • Dina Newman
  • Cindy Thompson
  • Jennifer Waddell