TADOHE Statewide Retreat

Members of the TADOHE executive board held their annual statewide retreat on October 24-25 in Austin, Texas. This was a time for members to meet in person for the first time, foster community and strategically plan for the future of TADOHE.

During our statewide retreat, TADOHE executive board members participated in Racial Geography tour led by Dr. Ted Gordon from The University of Texas at Austin.

From left to right: VP of Finance- Dr. Shante Hackworth, President-Dr. Skyller Walkes, Dr. Ted Gordon, VP of Membership- Dr. Sridevi Rao and VP of Communications-Dr. Darius Jones

During the statewide retreat, we were able to tour some of the multicultural spaces on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin

From left to right: VP of Communications- Dr. Darius Jones, VP of Membership- Dr. Sridevi Rao and VP of Finance- Dr. Shante Hackworth

Our statewide retreat was a success! We enjoyed enjoyed ending our retreat with The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Mexican American Studies (CMAS)

From left to right: VP of Membership- Dr. Sridevi Rao, VP of Finance- Dr. Shante Hackworth, UT Senior Academic Program Coordinator- Luis Guevara, President- Dr.Skyller Walkes and VP of Communication-Dr. Darius Jones

While visiting the cultural spaces at UT Austin, TADOHE also made a donation to La Tiendita-a food and supply pantry for students, faculty and staff in need. For more information and how you can support La Tiendita, visit this link.

During the month of October, members of TADOHE board led a training session entitled “Deepening Our Understanding as a New Emerging Community” for Columbia University’s Climate School DEIAAA Committee. If you would like a customized training for your campus feel free to email us at info@tadohe.com.

Pictured left to right: VP of Legislation Advocacy- Dr. Florencio Aranda III, VP of Student Development- Shawntal Brown and VP of Membership- Dr. Sridevi Rao

TADOHE was proud to support the inaugural Louisiana Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, LADOHE, meeting this semester. Under the leadership of Dr. Taniecea Mallery, we are excited for how you continue to elevate the conversations surrounding diversity in higher education. You can connect with chapters of NADOHE using this link.

On behalf of TAODHE, we would like to thank NADOHE for spotlighting us in their newsletter! If you are wanting to become a member of NADOHE you can use this link to sign up

Harvard Names Claudine Gay as the First Black President of the University

Harvard University announced on December 15 that Claudine Gay will become its 30th president, making her the first Black person and the second woman to lead the Ivy League school. You can read more about this momentous occasion using this link.

During the month of October, TADOHE participated in “Banned Books Week, a time to celebrate the freedom of reading. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.In honor of “Banned Books Week”, TADOHE hosted a giveaway of books to members. Congratulations to the winners!

• La’Cresha Moore

• Rhonda Ferguson

• Jarett Lujan

• Sophia Chapman

• T Mckinn

• Helen Wormington

• C Neal Green

• Skyller Walkes

• Chris Hernandez

Mark your calendars for the annual TADOHE Summit! The event will take place at Tarleton State University-Forth Worth from May 22-24, 2023! Our theme this year is “Back Together, Back to Action, Together We Can!” Stay tuned for more Information about registration and our call for presenters!

Save the date for the inaugural Texas Higher Education Policy Seminar this upcoming April 16-18,2023 in Austin, Texas. This conference will focus on advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion, higher education and underserved/marginalized populations in Texas at the Texas State capital. For more information please contact our VP of Legislative Advocacy, Dr. Florencio U. Aranda III at florencio.aranda@tcu.edu

Dissertation Participants Needed!

Doctoral Candidate O’Juan Edwards is a Florida State University student, currently in the data collection phase of his dissertation. The focus of his research is, The Experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers at Predominantly White Institutions During the Anti-Critical Race Theory Movement. The summary is as follows:

The intent of this research study is to explore how Black chief diversity officers (CDOs) at institutions of higher education in the United States experience structural and systemic racism, at predominantly White institutions, how it influences CDOs implementation of organizational change, and how the anti-CRT movement affects CDOs ability to perform in their role. You have been asked to participate in this doctoral study because you meet the participate criteria for this study: 1) self-identify as a Black individual, 2) are the most senior diversity officer within your institution, 3) serve as the CDO at a college or university in a state with a CRT ban and have at least one year of experience at your institution before the CRT ban was implemented in your state, 4) are directly involved in facilitation of developmental activities for professional staff as a part of your organizational culture, change work or have responsibility for institutional diversity strategy. The proposed study will yield insights into how you are experiencing the current climate in higher education, which is dominated by anti-race legislation.

If you are interested in participating please contact O’Juan Edwards at oedwards@fsu.edu.

Interested in becoming a member of TADOHE? You can become a member by clicking this link.