MSU IT has affirmed its commitment to better aligning with the core goals of the University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan through the formation of the MSU IT DEI Advisory Committee. Formed in conjunction with the larger DEI efforts of the Office of the EVPA, the committee is charged with driving meaningful organizational change.
Co-chairs Jason Beaudin, Executive Director for Educational Technology, and Gabrielle Miller, EVPA DEI Program Manager, lead the committee, which includes Naser Alavi, Halie Albrecht, Justin Booth, Sarah Davis, Jonathan Schulz, Michelle Szidik, Jonathan Walker, Kevin Webert, and Larry White. MSU IT leadership invited all staff in June to identify themselves as potential candidates for the committee. A small group of stakeholders from MSU IT and EVPA reviewed submissions and made recommendations for the inaugural members from all responses received.
“These individuals bring diverse perspectives and representation to the committee’s efforts toward promoting a workplace culture in MSU IT that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering an environment where every member feels valued and supported,” Beaudin said.
The EVPA Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, led by EVPA DEI Administrator Tina Alonzo and coordinators Gabrielle Miller and DJ Hogan, supports the strategic planning, development, and implementation of the overarching DEI agenda and initiatives for infusing DEI principles through the EVPA portfolio. Gabrielle works very closely with MSU IT and their co-chair position on the MSU IT DEI Advisory Committee helps reinforce and support the work of the EVPA Office of DEI team.
“Through the development, and facilitation of new and existing DEI programming the entire EVPA portfolio can better work with campus partners to engage in meaningful contributions that bridge across differences and demonstrate cultural competence,” said Melissa Woo, EVPA and CIO.
Alavi, Configuration and Release Manager within MSU IT’s Enterprise Services believes that his extensive experience in adapting to diverse cultures can prove invaluable to the committee and its objectives.
“I first arrived at MSU 28 years ago as an international graduate student,” Alavi reflected. “My journey, starting as a Teaching Assistant, has been marked by meaningful interactions with students and faculty members from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, fostering significant personal growth. I am eager to make a valuable contribution by sharing my unique perspective and insights.”
The committee will coordinate with EVPA DEI experts and IT stakeholders to monitor, assess, and review the employment climate at MSU IT. A more diverse and inclusive workplace can improve employee morale, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
“By collecting stakeholder feedback and suggesting opportunities for better alignment with the core goals of the University’s DEI Strategic Plan, we aim to increase diversity, ensure equity, promote inclusion, and enhance outreach and engagement,” Beaudin said.
An MSU IT Administrative Services team member, Davis, is interested in learning how DEI and IT intersect.
The committee met for the first time in mid-September, laying the foundation for initiatives over the next 12 months.
“MSU IT feels unique in that it connects with every college and unit continuously engaging with students, faculty, staff, for service and support,” Davis said. “My prior experience working at a graduate college DEI office gave me the foundation for this work, which I hope to bring to this committee and learn from the committee and our community.”
The committee meets monthly, expecting all members to engage in ongoing professional development opportunities, fostering individual growth and contributing to the shared understanding of DEI principles across MSU IT.
