L&S Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC)
DEIC Resources/Materials:
- L&S Departmental Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leads
- Contact information for equity and diversity liaisons or staff for departments and units within L&S. You may use this list to reach out to other L&S departments for discussions, idea sharing, or collaborations for DEI efforts!
- Departmental DEI Contacts (last updated September 2023)
- L&S Inclusive Excellence Resource Hub
- This is a clearinghouse of diversity, equity, and inclusion resources, materials, and best practices. The resources align with the College of Letters and Science Diversity, Equity and Inclusion priorities, which are: infrastructure, belonging, teaching/learning, research, faculty recruitment/retention, staff recruitment/retention, graduate student recruitment/retention and undergraduate recruitment/retention. The hub is a living place that is continuously updated with relevant local, state and national information for DEI leads, chairs, and influencers within departments, centers, institutes, and units within L&S.
- L&S DEI Priorities
- L&S DEI Priorities (last updated May 2023)
Committee Members
Last updated November 2024
Eric Wilcots
Dean, College of Letters & Science
Administration
DeVon Wilson (co-chair)
he/him
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Administration
"I have served on this committee for the past 16 years because I am committed to addressing workforce equity, equity gaps in educational outcomes, and college access as part of the mission of a public university."
Mayra Oyola-Merced (co-chair)
Assistant Professor, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
"I serve on the L&S DEIC to help create an inclusive and supportive university environment, where students from all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities to thrive."
Lea Aune-Johnson - get info
Desiree Bates
"I am excited to be involved with DEI at the college level to bring more opportunities to our department in Chemistry. In addition, I am hoping to share the knowledge of our experiences with the college and learn from my colleagues."
Michael Bernard-Donals
he/him
Professor & Director
English & Center for Teaching and Research on Writing
"My service on the L&S DEIC reflects my deep commitment to ensuring that the College and the university make good on their promises to be a welcoming community to people from all backgrounds and talents; and to continuing to learn about the structures of marginalization and exclusion, and about how to change them."
Scott A. Carter
he/him
Advancement Manager, Office of Strategic Communications & Advancement
Administration
"Im excited to serve on the L&S Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee where I can help support and advocate for our units efforts to make their communities a welcoming place for all."
Tony Chambers
Tony Chambers, Director for Community Well-Being, Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin, Madison
"Serving on the L&S Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee provides an opportunity to create spaces where Belonging and well-being for all can be operationalized."
Rachelle Eilers
Academic Advising Manager, Chican@ & Latin@ Studies
"I joined the DEIC to ensure change and represent the voices of underrepresented people at UW."
Kristin Eschenfelder
Associate Dean & Associate Director
Administration & Computer, Data & Information Sciences
"Computer, Data & Information Sciences has a goal of increasing the diversity of people in computing and data related fields and professions. "
Mel Freitag
she/her
Assistant Dean and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training & Innovation
Administration
"I am serving on this action-oriented committee because of my commitment to inspire our campus and community members to create lasting change within their local units so that all students, staff, and faculty can thrive."
Kate Krueger
she/her
Academic Data Analyst
Administration
"Kate hopes to contribute to the L&S DEIC her knowledge and use of institutional data to help inform the Committee on trends within L&S."
Jose Madera
Assistant Dean & Assistant Director for STEM Initiatives, Student Academic Affairs (SAA) / Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Administration
"I have been involved in DEI campus-wide efforts since my years as a graduate student. Throughout the years I have collaborated with fellow university colleagues, faculty & students advancing effort, programs, initiatives and even influencing policies. Serving in L&S DEI makes me feel very accomplished supporting and advancing the work it does and the values it represents."
Amari Mbongwo
Undergraduate Student & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern
Journalism
"I am serving on the DEIC to be the voice for the undergraduate student population, but also my strong commitment and passion to DEI work."
Susan M. McMillan
she/her
Policy and Planning Analyst, Student Academic Affairs (SAA)
Administration
"I analyze student outcome and curricular data to support informed decision-making in the College. I provide research support to the DEIC and my perspective as a member of the Academic Staff."
Alexus Moore
Graduate Project Assistant
Journalism
"I am eager to contribute to the L&S DEIC by developing creative strategies to attract students to the new South Hall space, enhancing the KB site with updated content, and offering support wherever needed to ensure the success of the team's initiatives."
Nils Ringe
Associate Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Professor, Robert F. and Sylvia T. Wagner Chair, Comparative Politics
I serve on the DEIC because I know that advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion makes everyone better off, and to help better coordinate DEI efforts between the college and departmental levels.
Heather Sauer
she/her
Graduate Program Manager
Astronomy
"I decided to join the L&S DEIC because I want to see progress and action. The best way to do that, is to help do it yourself. I personally dont think the goal is 100%. The goal is inclusivity. The goal is taking away biased barriers. The goal is uncovering systemic racism. These things dont require everyone, just people who arent going to continue to uphold the issues that get uncovered."
Micheal Swift
"I serve on the L&S DEIC because I believe the educational opportunities offered by L&S should be available to all students. I’m interested in reducing the barriers, roadblocks, and speedbumps that reduce students access to our opportunities."
Erika Marin-Spiotta
she/her
Professor & Faculty Director L&S Community of Graduate Research Scholars (CGRS)
Geography
"I enjoy working with colleagues in L&S to improve working conditions and opportunities for students, staff and faculty in our College."
Lucas Zoet
Associate Professor
Geoscience
"I am serving on the DEIC to create a more equitable environment at UW-Madison for members of our community that come from underrepresented communities and have a specific focus on indigenous populations."