The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion serves as an institutional leader on all matters DEI-related at the university. In doing so, the Office is charged with university-wide strategy, consultation, leadership and collaborations with university partners in embedding a shared mindset to embrace diversity, uphold equity, and cultivate inclusion.
Our commitment to Inclusive Excellence is grounded in our Catholic convictions to advance human dignity and diversity because all are created in the image and likeness of God. We consider Inclusive Excellence as indispensable to our academic success and the holistic development and advancement of our students, faculty and staff. We value the vast array of individuals and group characteristics, including social, physical, and psychological differences. All provide a university experience rich in perspectives with opportunities to learn from and create just relationships for a just society. To this end, we commit to cultivating diversity, equity and inclusion at all levels of the institution for those who live, learn and work in our community.
At the University of St. Thomas, we believe that Inclusive Excellence is our ability to synergize diversity, equity and inclusion as a holistic approach at all levels of the institution. Below are five strategic themes and related priorities from the university's comprehensive plan to advance our work toward academic and institutional excellence.
We seek to be a diverse and vibrant community that reflects the surrounding demographics of the Twin Cities seven-county region. We strive to intensify our commitment to expand our recruiting strategies for increased access to and diverse representation in our campus community.
Strategic priorities:
We seek to cultivate a community where our members feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging. We aim to foster an inclusive psychological and behavioral campus climate.
Strategic priorities:
We seek to be a community where our members feel engaged, supported and empowered to strive for their highest potential. We aim to implement DEI inclusive practices and strengthen our support services, programs and initiatives to broaden the achievement circle.
Strategic priorities:
We seek to be a community where our members embrace the rich diversity that each of us brings to our community's greater mosaic. We aim to develop more opportunities for DEI training, research and curriculum and co-curriculum development and innovation.
Strategic priorities:
We seek to be a community of transparency, shared accountability and impactful collaborations. We aim to increase communication of our journey and progress, devote necessary resources to sustain and grow DEI, and partner with organizations that serve diverse communities, to build pathways into St. Thomas and dismantle societal inequities.
Strategic priorities:
Kha Yang oversees the ODEI office with a vision to create inclusive processes and programs to connect, engage, educate, and affect change.
St. Thomas faculty members who serve as a key diversity resource and support for all faculty.
Associate Professor of Emerging Media
Associate Professor of Management
Professor of Management
The DEI ambassadors comprise of St. Thomas staff, administrators and faculty who serve as liaisons to facilitate, connect, and coordinate DEI efforts and initiatives within their respective areas.
Sexual harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct are prohibited by St. Thomas.
If you are a victim or are aware of criminal conduct, you are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. The St. Thomas Department of Public Safety can assist you in making such a report, call 651-962-5100.
St. Thomas is committed to providing an inclusive living, learning and working environment that supports the well-being of each member and respects the dignity of each person. Incidents of hate and bias are inconsistent with the St. Thomas mission and convictions and have no place here.