Our Way Forward: Higher Education's Role in Advancing Equity
July 14, 2021, 10:00 am – 11:20 am
This moderated panel explores the role of higher institutions in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the institution and within local communities. Higher education thought leaders, faculty, and administrators who are working throughout Indiana comprise the panel. Additionally, this group will discuss Indiana University's DEI initiatives, strategies, and priorities from 2020 toward the future. A panel discussion, led by Monica M. Johnson, M.S.Ed includes Rachel Ann Brooks, M.Ed., Carl Darnell, Ph.D., Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D., James Wallace, Ph.D.
Session Moderators
 | Monica Johnson, M.S.Ed
Assistant Vice President for Diversity Education and Cross-Cultural Engagement
Indiana University
momgreen@indiana.edu
For the entirety of her career, Monica Johnson has been active nationally in the areas of diversity, social justice, and advocacy for access and equity within higher education. In addition to serving as an independent consultant for a variety of educational institutions, professional organizations, and community-based initiatives, Monica is the current Assistant Vice President for Diversity Education and Cross-Cultural Engagement at Indiana University. Within the national diversity and social justice community, Monica proudly serves as a Co-Chair of the National Advisory Council for the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE). |
 | Rachel Ann Brooks, M.Ed.
Director of Diversity and Inclusion
O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Indiana University Bloomington and IUPUI
rabrook@iu.edu Rachel Ann Brooks serves as the director of diversity and inclusion at Indiana University's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs for the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses. Prior to her arrival at IU, Rachel was the director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives for the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University. She is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Rachel received a B.A. in legal studies minoring in women and gender studies, and later received a master's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in education administration at Indiana State University. |
 | Carl Darnell, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for the IU School of Education
Director of the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program
Indiana University Bloomington
darnellc@indiana.edu Carl Darnell is an experienced researcher exploring historically Black college and university partnerships and examining student development in culturally affirming college programs. He is an actively practicing student-centered administrator focusing on exposing students to opportunities to pursue their definitions of success. Carl is no stranger to helping underrepresented students succeed. He has challenged the status quo for much of his personal and professional life and served as a passionate advocate for causes that pursue social and educational justice. Today, he continues that journey as the new director of the Hudson & Holland Scholars Program, Indiana University's largest merit-based scholarship and support program. |
 | Rosalyn Davis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Indiana University Kokomo
rosddavi@iuk.edu Rosalyn Davis is a clinical associate professor of psychology at Indiana University Kokomo, directs the M.A. in Mental Health Counseling program, and is the faculty diversity liaison in academic affairs. She also serves as the Affirmative Action liaison for Faculty Senate. Rosalyn is a graduate of an HBCU, HSI, and PWI and has seen diversity initiatives play out in various academic settings. She focuses her teaching, research, service, and clinical work on diversity, equity, and inclusion and speaks on these topics both internally and externally to the university. Her service external to the university includes serving as a member of the editorial board of The Counseling Psychologist and her recent election to the Midwestern Psychological Association Council. |
 | James Wallace, Ph.D.
Director of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Indiana University Northwest
jamewall@iun.edu A native of Evanston, Illinois, James Wallace has served as the Office of Diversity, Equity and inclusion (ODEMA) director at Indiana University Northwest since 2011. He leads ODEMA's cultural programming efforts while monitoring the institution's commitment to its mission and values related to diversity and inclusion. Further, James collaborates with campus and community stakeholders to identify co-curricular activities designed to enhance students' experiences and connect those students with the broader community. Currently finishing a doctorate in Urban Education Studies, his current research focus is the bachelor's degree experiences of African American males post-incarceration. James also serves as a board member of Communities in Schools Lake County and chairs the Gary Commission on the Social Status of Black Males. |
