Two years after its founding in Carbondale, Southern Illinois University welcomed its first African-American student in 1876, laying a foundation of inclusion that continues today. Since then, SIU Carbondale and SIU Edwardsville — which held some of its first classes in 1957 in a building located on the site of the 1917 East St. Louis race riots — have welcomed and nurtured a rich diversity of students across its colleges and programs.
SIU Edwardsville has been a NADOHE member since 2008. The university’s Venessa Brown served two terms on the NADOHE Board of Directors, and co-chaired the marketing committee as well as the social media committee. She also lends her time and expertise to directing the NADOHE 2023 CDO and ADO Fellows programs.
Southern Illinois Univeristy is the recipient of NADOHE’s Institutional Excellence Award, Professional School for 2023. Responses below are provided by Dr. Sheila Caldwell, Vice President for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at the Southern Illinois University System.
Why is SIU a member of NADOHE?
SIU is a member because it offers many opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate. Recently, we had the opportunity to glean valuable insights from legal experts on the recent SCOTUS Affirmative Action decision. The information provided helped us gain deeper knowledge on how to abide by the law and advance diversity in our student body.
The annual NADOHE conference is like a family reunion for DEI leaders across the nation. Not only do we have numerous opportunities to break bread together, but the abundant offerings of workshops, training, and professional development opportunities are vast and rich. The access to resources, partnerships, and like-minded soldiers is enhancing and invaluable. NADOHE is the blueprint for scholars. It has exposed us to inspiring leaders, diverse perspectives, high-impact practices, and equity-minded leadership.
SIU is grateful to be a member of the premier organization because it augments our voices, strengthens our reputation, and offers support to all members. NADOHE inspires hope and perseverance and serves as a reminder that although we may be isolated on our campuses, we are surrounded by diligent partners who are committed to student success, inclusive excellence, and justice.
Can you explain more about the ADEI Leadership Certificate SIU offers?
The purpose of the ADEI Leadership Certificate is to help students understand and combat racism, which is rooted in all meaningful activities in life: education, economics, health care, media, politics, law, and religion. The certificate is designed to strengthen students’ awareness and help them understand historical injustices and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The certificate consists of five modules and requires 40 total hours of engagement and professional development. Students who complete it will be able to articulate their cultural identity, understand the role of race, racism, and culture in shaping lived experiences, understand the historical and present-day realities of inequities in America, and learn how to be effective leaders, allies, and advocates. It also makes them more competitive in the workplace as more organizations seek to create inclusive and equitable environments.
What are some future diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives planned for the school?
SIU is excited to launch the SIU School of Medicine Equity Professional Development Center in January 2024. The equity center will increase the capacity of Springfield and Central Illinois community members by expanding training, certifications, and professional development opportunities. The center will also have hubs at local churches, community centers, and educational facilities to ensure engagement and to ensure a thriving, self-determined, and educated region.
SIU has gathered a team of knowledgeable leaders across all campuses to conduct a systemwide ADEI Policy Audit to reduce bias and ensure fairness in policies and practices. The audit will help analyze the promotion of fairness and hiring, investigate legal compliance, differentiate policy from everyday practices, reduce bias, hold team members accountable, and enhance organizational culture.
Additionally, the recent development of an inclusive hiring guide will help SIU create a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. It includes examples of inclusive job descriptions and postings, information on unconscious bias awareness, diverse interview panel guidelines, diversity danger zones, examples of inclusive interview questions that avoid bias, and more.
These initiatives underway help SIU create, sustain, and advance antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Know a NADOHE member who deserves recognition? Submit your Member Highlight suggestions to info@nadohe.org.