The School of Graduate Studies values its diverse student body. We work closely with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on initiatives to ensure we are meeting the needs of all graduate students. Further, we are committed to recruiting and retaining students who have been historically underrepresented in graduate programs to promote equitable opportunities and outcomes.We echo the university's sentiments: You are welcome here!

Below are some of the current initiatives in which School of Graduate Studies staff and our campus partners are engaged:

• Hiring staff who value principles of DEI
• Co-sponsoring DEI events and speakers
• Serving in a leadership role in Rowan's DEI Council
• Engaging in ongoing education by facilitating and participating in DEI book studies
• Participating as a University Member of the National GEM Consortium
• Sponsoring the BRiDGES enrichment program to encourage underrepresented students to careers in the academy
• Participating in the National Name Exchange
• Distributing a monthly internal newsletter about DEI-related events and opportunities

Additionally, our staff regularly participate in DEI professional development:

Dr. Tabbetha Dobbins, Dean (she/her/hers)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Foundation Certificate
Implicit Bias 

Dr. Stephanie Lezotte, Assistant Dean (she/her/hers)
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Foundation Certificate
Inclusive Practices and Pedagogy Certificate

Mental Health First Aid certified

Implicit Bias 
Safe Zone 
Green Dot
QPR

Jenn Tharp, Graduate Research Services Specialist (she/her/hers)
Safe Zone 

 

For more information on graduate education diversity initiatives, contact Dr. Stephanie Lezotte, Assistant Dean, at lezotte@rowan.edu. You can also visit the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for further information or view Rowan's URM enrollment dashboards.