Founded in 1957 as two residence centers, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a student-centered educational community dedicated to communicating, expanding and integrating knowledge. In a spirit of collaboration enriched by diverse ideas, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s comprehensive and unique array of undergraduate and graduate programs develops professionals, scholars and leaders who shape a changing world.
The Student Affairs division at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is built around a promise to create and foster a diverse and inclusive climate. The We Are One campaign was initiated by Student Affairs to encourage SIUE community members to take a pledge of acceptance, respect and appreciation for their diverse community.
Assistant Director of University Housing Vicky Dean says the division “demonstrates a high level of commitment toward inclusion and diversity” and as a result she “truly [has] seen the climate for our students improve over the past four years.”
Student Affairs at SIUE embodies the university’s commitment to inclusion. Vice Chancellor Nobby Emmanuel says, “Inclusion is not just a catch phrase, it is one of our five university values.” And in collaboration with the university’s movement toward ever-increasing inclusion of diverse individuals and experiences, the division “strive[s] to work together to eliminate any form of injustice, oppression or violence on our campus.”
These commitments to inclusion and elimination of injustice are what make SIUE one of this year’s “30+ Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs.”