About Us

Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Truth and acknowledgment are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage and difference.  

We begin this effort to acknowledge what has been buried by honoring the truth. 
We are on the ancestral lands of the Dakota and Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) People. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that bring us together here today. And please join us in uncovering such truths.

Adapted from the 

ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ is committed to nurturing an anti-racist campus culture that respects the identities, histories and experiences within our community.

We strive to build a safe and welcoming environment using trauma-informed practices where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered.

Through collaboration and accountability, we work to remove systemic barriers and promote equity and opportunity for all. 

The diversity of ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ is one of the school’s greatest strengths. In an effort to promote equity, inclusion and social justice the College is committed to providing opportunities for faculty, staff and students to be continuously engaged in experiences that increase cultural competency.

• Equity By Design – Equity by Design is a Minnesota State system-wide program to increase equitable outcomes in our classrooms. At ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ, it takes the form of a 9-week faculty cohort facilitated jointly by The Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Academic Effectiveness and Innovation (AEI) staff. 
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid provides strategies to help individuals in crisis and non-crisis situations. In support of our commitment to become an anti-racist, trauma-informed institution, ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ faculty and staff will provide Mental Health First Aid training for College employees. 
• Safe Zone Training – Safe Zone trainings are opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ identities, gender and sexuality, and examine prejudice, assumptions, and privilege. 
• Throughout the academic year additional workshops and events will be offered to support increasing the cultural competency of faculty, staff and students. 
• Social Justice Book Club â€“ The Social Justice Book Club provides opportunities for the College community to participate in conversations addressing social justice through literature.

ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ supports the development and retention of faculty and staff. Affinity or Employee Resource groups promote employee retention through providing opportunities to build community, mentoring and encouraging personal and professional growth through shared experiences. 

ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ groups: 

• Faculty and Staff of Color 
• Faculty of Color Mentoring Program 
• White Allies Group

In addition to the ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ Affinity Groups, the College also supports participation in state-wide employee resource groups. 

• Indigenous Men and Men of Color
  • Jeremy Clark, jclark@inverhills.edu
• Employees of Color ERG (POCI) 
  • Monica Ibarra, mibarra@inverhills.edu 
• LGBTQIA+ ERG 
  • Nancy Floyd, nancy.floyd@minnstate.edu
  • Jessica Wade-Ferrell, JWade-Ferrell@sctcc.edu
• Womxn in Higher Education ERG 
  • Lyndsay Ampe, Lyndsay.Ampe@ridgewater.edu

For more information regarding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice at ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ, please contact DEI@saintpaul.edu.