The L&S Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) was formed by the Dean in 2006 with the goal of understanding and improving the experiences of students, staff, and faculty from all backgrounds and identities. The committee engages in a variety of work, including gathering and assessing DEI data, serving as thought partners and consultants on DEI efforts at the unit level, creating DEI communities of practice and informal networks, providing representation for L&S on campus-level DEI committees, and functioning as an advisory body to the Dean on DEI priorities for the college.
Members of the committee are listed below. If you would like more information about the L&S Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, please reach out to Lori Lopez at LKLopez@wisc.edu or DeVon Wilson at DeVon.Wilson@wisc.edu.
Current DEIC Members
DeVon Wilson
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."
Lori Kido Lopez
Professor & Director
Communication Arts & Asian American Studies Program
"I serve on the L&S DEIC because it's a way for me to impact change beyond my department and participate in important conversations about how to make the university a more equitable place for people of all identities and backgrounds."
Eric M. Wilcots
Dean, College of Letters & Science
Administration
Lea Aune-Johnson
HR Director
Administration
Michael Bernard-Donals
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
Advancement Manager, Office of Strategic Communications & Advancement
Administration
"I’m 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."
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
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."
Jennifer Hekman
Department Administrator
Asian Languages & Cultures
Jeff Henriques
Distinguished Lecturer
Psychology
"Jeff Henriques has taught in the Department of Psychology since 1998. He joined the DEI committee after learning of the large disparities in adverse outcomes between targeted and non-targeted students in gateway courses like Psych 202, Introduction to Psychology."
Kate C. Krueger
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."
Faye Lux
Department Administrator
Political Science
José 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."
Erika Marin-Spiotta
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."
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
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."
Heather Sauer
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 don’t think the goal is 100%. The goal is inclusivity. The goal is taking away biased barriers. The goal is uncovering systemic racism. These things don’t require everyone, just people who aren’t going to continue to uphold the issues that get uncovered."
Michael Swift
Professor
Computer Sciences
Alexandra Villa
Graduate Student & WI Experience Graduate Fellow
Geoscience
"I am serving on the DEIC to enact change in the L&S community, specifically to create a welcoming and supportive environment where every person can thrive. As the graduate student representative, and as a first-generation Latina in STEM, I voice experiences and perspectives of myself and my peers."
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."