Rebecca Gordon

By
October 2021 View more

First in the role It is humbling. I appreciate the faith and confidence that is being placed in my skills, experience, and talents. I also feel challenged, because I am not naive about the scope of the task I am undertaking to make real transformational change at the college. But at the end of the day, I am a psychologist and educator and believe in the power of information and the ability for people and systems to change. I am hopeful and excited about putting initiatives in place with the partners I have at the college.

Making an impact Chief diversity officer cannot just be a symbolic gesture. I believe what is important for current and prospective students is that the CDO is informing decisions at the highest level and is actively engaged with students, faculty, and staff in eradicating racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and any other other -isms on campus.   

Defining success To me it would mean that all members of our community would experience being seen, heard, and valued. Where everyone has tools to deconstruct internalized stereotypes so that they do not serve as the lens for interactions, instruction, evaluation, or opportunities. Where our community members actively seek out meaningful connections to those who are different than themselves with a sense of appreciation, respect, and integrity. And when we fall short, we learn from our mistakes and engage in a process to repair the harm that was caused. 

Photo courtesy North Central College