The L&S Inclusive Excellence Committee 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 data, serving as thought partners and consultants on inclusive excellence efforts at the unit level, creating communities of practice and informal networks, providing representation for L&S on campus-level committees, and functioning as an advisory body to the Dean on inclusive excellence priorities for the college.
Members of the committee are listed below. If you would like more information about the L&S Inclusive Excellence Committee, please reach out to DeVon Wilson at DeVon.Wilson@wisc.edu or Mayra Oyola Merced at oyolamerced@wisc.edu.
Current L&S Inclusive Excellence Committee Members
DeVon Wilson
Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence
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
Assistant Professor
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
"I serve on the L&S Inclusive Excellence Committee to help create an inclusive and supportive university environment, where students from all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities to thrive."
Eric M. Wilcots
Dean, College of Letters & Science
Administration
Lea Aune-Johnson
HR Director
Administration
Desiree Bates
Computational Chemistry Leader
Chemistry
"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
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."
Director for Community Well-Being
Center for Healthy Minds
"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
Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Organizational Strategy
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 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."
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."
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."
Alexus Moore
"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."
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."
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."
Michael Swift
Professor
Computer Sciences
"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
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."