Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mission

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is to offer visionary leadership and strategic guidance for inclusive initiatives, actively participating in strategic planning, program development, and policy formulation with a dedicated focus on fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among members of the Augustana College community.

Vision 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will be demonstrated by:

• A campus community that reflects the diversity in the world.
• Attentiveness to equitable practices.
• A learning environment that emphasizes diverse experiences and perspectives.
• A similar sense of belonging for all students and employees

Welcome message from the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was established in March 2018 in response to increases in the number of enrolled students of color and international students at Augustana College. The college has already laid important groundwork to foster a fertile environment for inclusion and diversity. The goal of this office is to build on that foundation to move Augustana toward a more inclusive community, one that continues to honor the Five Faith Commitments, particularly the social justice tradition. 

Augustana is a community driven by purpose, respect and civic responsibility. It strives to create the best environment where every member of our community can achieve personal fulfillment and success. — Augustana College Community Principles

Augustana College recognizes that our success is dependent on how well we value and engage the rich diversity of students, employees, alumni and external constituents. To that end, we are committed to inclusive excellence, a strategic framework that encourages us actively examine and evaluate institutional policies and practices. This assessment will allow Augustana to set goals with measurable outcomes evidenced in our strategic plan. Our focus for the next few years is to expand opportunities for access, commit to professional development, and develop new ways of operating that will be transformative for the college and our community. 

Meet our team 

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Dr. Gauri Pitale, Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ashley Allen, Executive Director of Inclusion and Intercultural Experiences

Steve Wehling, Civil Rights Director and Chief Title IX Coordinator

Tyler Kinney, Executive Assistant to Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Office for Student Inclusion and Diversity (OSID):

Sam Wright, Assistant Director and LGBTQ+ Coordinator

Leticia Martinez, Administrative Assistant

Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS):

Juanita Trevino-Perez, Immigration Specialist

Contact us

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
Bahls Campus Leadership Center 101
vpdiversity@augustana.edu
309-794-7594

Student Inclusion and Diversity:
Gerber Center 420
inclusion@augustana.edu
309-794-8270

International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS):
Gerber Center 402 (Gävle 4)
oisss@augustana.edu
309-794-8220