College Diversity Council

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is committed to creating a climate that reflects the diversity of its students, staff, and faculty in its teaching, research projects, Extension programs, and international activities. Likewise, the college respects individuals for their unique qualities and their many contributions toward enhancing a culturally rich environment at the university.
The College Diversity Council provides college-wide leadership to promote diversity, guides the recruitment and retention of employees, and supports the inclusion of all people in educational programs and services.
The council’s goal is to support Virginia Tech in its quest to be a supportive academic environment that is fully cognizant of individual differences. The council is also committed to help each person fulfill his or her potential for academic excellence.
Events
Black History Month
Feb. 1 – 28
Events university-wide
Consciousness: Caribbean Feminisms and the Politics of Knowledge
Dr. Tonya Haynes
Tuesday, Feb. 19
7-9 p.m.
Fralin Auditorium
Reimagining Trans
Robin Dembroff
Friday, Feb. 22
4-6 p.m.
Lavery Hall 350
Transformative Perspectives in Agriculture: A Personal Narrative
Nate Looney
Monday, Feb. 25
6:30 p.m., followed by reception
Holtzman Alumni Center Auditorium
Transformation Perspectives in Agriculture: A Discussion with Nate Looney
Tuesday, Feb. 26
2-3 p.m.
Join via Zoom or via Skype for Business
The Other Nègre: The Treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Uganda and South Africa
Nathalie Etoke
Tuesday, Feb. 26
7-9 p.m.
Fralin Auditorium
El Centro Latinx Symposium
March 21-22
• Call for proposals and poster sessions
LGBTQ+ Q*mmunity Support Group
Mondays, 5:30-7 p.m.
Squires 227, the LGBTQ+ Resource Center
Inclusion in Action
- Chevon Thorpe appointed assistant dean of inclusion, diversity, and equity in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Thorpe will be responsible for the strategic direction of the college diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, which includes promoting a diverse, equitable, and respectful environment for faculty, staff, and students. Feb 25, 2021
- Virginia Tech names interim director for the Black Cultural Center Reporting to the Office for Inclusion and Diversity in this role, Crasha Townsend will support the university's ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts by developing programs, events, and services that facilitate the personal, social, academic, and cultural well-being of Black and African American students, faculty, and staff. Feb 25, 2021
- Medical students adapt health fair during the pandemic to continue serving refugee and immigrant families Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine students had to get creative to adapt what is normally an in-person health fair to continue serving the diverse refugee and immigrant community in Roanoke. Feb 19, 2021
- The Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference will be held April 9-11 Feb 18, 2021
- International virologist to address the faith, science of COVID-19 vaccinations in Black communities Oveta Fuller, a scientist and ordained minister who has worked to address HIV awareness through faith leaders, will bring her experience working with HIV/AIDS to a discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic and resistance to getting vaccinated in the next installment of the Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture Series, hosted by Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Feb 15, 2021
- Black Cadet Organization provides community for all cadets The organization started in spring 2019 as a way to bring Black cadets together. Today, it has grown into a group that offers support for any cadet who feels in the minority. Feb 12, 2021
Contact
Isaac Magaña
Chair, Diversity Council
306 Litton-Reaves Hall MC0365
maganai@vt.edu
540-231-9650
Erin Ling
Vice Chair, Diversity Council
ejling@vt.edu
540-231-9058
Karen Barnhart
Recording Secretary, Diversity Council
karend@vt.edu
540-231-5659
CALS News
- Kodi Ravichandran to speak about phagocytes at Virginia Tech Life Science Seminar Feb 26, 2021
- Chevon Thorpe appointed assistant dean of inclusion, diversity, and equity in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Feb 25, 2021
- Tumors and centrosomes: Researchers receive grant to investigate cancer evolution Feb 24, 2021
- Mathematics’ Lauren Childs helps address the complex problems of malaria Feb 23, 2021