Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council charge is to look at all that we do through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The council will help us implement education, training and revisions to policies and procedures in an effort to make Lenoir-Rhyne the most welcoming and engaging campus possible for all members of our community.

The council meets twice monthly and is developing a work plan for Lenoir-Rhyne to enhance our DEI initiatives and make recommendations to move our entire LR community forward.

A representative group of faculty from each college, staff, students, administration, athletics, Columbia and Asheville.

The council is chaired by Avery Staley, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Council Members

• Avery Staley, Vice President Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Chair)
• Eric Brandon, Enrollment Management and International Affairs
• Jennifer Burris, Provost
• Todd Cutter, University Pastor, Director of Spiritual Life and Director of Cornerstone Counseling
• Katrina Devore, Athletics
• Amy Hedricks, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Lesly James, Occupational Therapy, Columbia Campus
• Walter Kennedy, Student Life
• Michael Lemke, College of Education
• Ryan Luhrs, College of Fine Arts and Communication
• Keith McDade, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Asheville Campus
• Cat Niekro, Vice President Advancement and Marketing
• Terry Phillips, Director of Multicultural Affairs, DEI
• Kim Price, College of Health Science
• Revonda Reed, Assistant Vice President and Director Human Resources  
• Christina Walker, College of Business

President Fred Whitt and senior administration staff have participated in Lenoir-Rhyne Equity & Diversity (LREDI) training. Training was provided through the university's LREDI partnership and focused on bias, anti-discrimination and working towards an inclusive environment.