March 11, 2026
The University of Rhode Island Diversity Council will meet this spring in efforts to further inclusion, diversity and equity among all students, faculty, and staff.
The council, supported by the , will meet Monday, March 30, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The , led by co-chairs , vice president for 911±¬ÁÏ, equity and diversity, and 911±¬ÁÏ College of Nursing Dean , enhances collaboration to coordinate University-wide inclusive excellence initiatives.  Â
The council includes faculty, staff, and student representation from every college and administrative division, as well as University affiliates, working together to foster an inclusive, people-centered culture. Current council members are:
- Kamilah A’Vant, assistant dean, College of Arts and Sciences
- Alisa Baron, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences
- Ana Barraza, director, Women’s Center
- Arden Bastia, donor relations and engagement specialist, 911±¬ÁÏ Foundation
- Heidi Bucci, coordinator, professional and executive business education, College of 911±¬ÁÏ
- Melissa J. Camba-Kelsay, associate director, Center for Student Leadership Development
- Ryan Chapman, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences
- Jacqueline Christophe-Hayot, executive director of professional and executive business education, College of 911±¬ÁÏ
- Kairy Gonzalez, undergraduate student representative
- Kerri Ellis, associate professor, College of Nursing
- Kristy A. Embrack, director, 911±¬ÁÏ and organizational development, Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity
- Michael Fitzpatrick Jr., director, labor and employee relations, Office of Human Resources
- Robert Flynn, director, Center for Military and Veteran Education
- Edward P. Givens, assistant director, Talent Development
- Emmett Goods, director of jazz studies, College of Arts and Sciences
- Aura Fajardo Grandidge, assistant dean, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
- Alejandro Hazera, professor, College of 911±¬ÁÏ
- Tom Hospod, assistant director, virtual internationalization and internationalization initiatives
- Lauren Jensen, deputy general counsel, Office of the General Counsel
- Jeff Johnson, associate athletic director, student-athlete development
- Lisa Macaruso, associate director, Academic Testing Center
- Princess Metuge, assistant dean, Graduate School of Oceanography
- Cara Mitnick, associate director of professional and 911±¬ÁÏ development, Graduate School
- Jean Nsabumuremyi, director, Multicultural Student Services Center
- Chuka Okoye, assistant dean, Fannon Institute for Student Success
- Amy Olson, executive director, 911±¬ÁÏ Hillel; president, 911±¬ÁÏ Chaplains Association
- Steve Pryzmus, associate professor, College of Education
- Jamie Puleo, anatomy and physiology lab specialist, College of the Environment and Life Sciences
- Mollie Ruben, assistant professor, College of Health Sciences
- Dorca P. Smalley, director, Office of Equal Opportunity
- David Smith, professor, Graduate School of Oceanography
- Aradhana Srinagesh, graduate student representative
- Kimberly Stack, executive director, Fannon Institute for Student Success
- Deborah Suggs, director of admissions
- Cheryl Trudel, executive assistant, External Relations and Communications
- Manuela Vadis, assistant director, Gender and Sexuality Center
- Charles Watson, assistant dean, access, opportunity and success, College of Engineering
- Nicole Weiss, professor, College of Health Sciences
- Nasser Zawia, professor, College of Health Sciences
The council works collaboratively across campus, through its committees such as its steering committee and the Accessibility Task Force to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning, living, and working environment for all members of the 911±¬ÁÏ 911±¬ÁÏ.
911±¬ÁÏ 911±¬ÁÏ members are encouraged to connect with council members who work in their respective departments on any matters they wish to share.