Dear Seattle University Community –

I write to share with you an important update relating to the Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

As you know, President Peñalver has relaunched the University’s strategic directions -- Reigniting our Strategic Directions, which now includes promoting inclusive excellence as Goal 4 of this effort. A range of initiatives will anchor this strategic work over the next five years with a key focus on dimensions of LIFT SU and related projects. The work ahead includes developing and implementing high-impact practices to systematically infuse DEI across our institution, enabling systems of accountability, and building capacity to sustain continuous improvement.

I am pleased to share that Professor Brooke Coleman will serve as Special Assistant to the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion, agreeing to lend her leadership to advancing these aims. In this role, Professor Coleman will co-lead the work of promoting inclusive excellence under the Reigniting Our Strategic Directions effort, working closely with me and the ODI Provost Fellows. Together, we will engage this university-wide effort across an extensive range of stakeholders to position us for broad-scale impact. Professor Coleman has already begun to help lead this work, partnering with me and various stakeholders as we organize and align to realize the goals of LIFT SU. Building on her university engagement through Academic Assembly, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, dedication to our students’ experience as recognized by the Provost Award for Excellence in Teaching, as well as her ongoing engagement with ODI, including delivering the inaugural Red Talk, Professor Coleman’s expertise, thought leadership, and growth mindset will contribute greatly as ODI endeavors to maximize its impact. Professor Coleman will continue to help facilitate this work through the 2022-23 academic year.

I believe that through this crucial work we can integrate inclusive excellence and LIFT SU initiatives into a shared equity agenda that will achieve measurable improvements and enhance campus climate. True inclusive excellence means that all who live, learn, and work at Seattle University belong and thrive here. I look forward to being in partnership with each of you, university leadership, and with the commitment of my ODI staff and Professor Coleman as we move together toward a Seattle University that is inclusively excellent for all.

Sincerely,

Natasha Martin, J.D.

Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion