Organizationally, the African Diaspora Initiative is positioned as followed:
1. Office of the President (Presidet Astrid Tuminez)
2. Division of Student Affairs (Vice President Michelle Kearns)
3. Inclusion Excellence (AVP Tara Ivie)
4. Multicultural Student Services (Director Darah Snow)
5. African Diaspora Inititaitve (Program Director Jerome Currelley)
In our work, we strive to help students of the African/Black diaspora embody success in school, work, and life. We offer support and avenues for student development. As a program in the area of Inclusion Excellence, we work to foster "inclusion, remove barriers, promote global and cultural competence, create meaningful resources, and support students on their path to graduation." As part of the extended family of Multicultural Student Services we are intentional in creating an atmosphere of belonging for all students. As an African-centered program we honor the various background, traditions, and modes of expression our students bring with them to campus. We seek to highlight the intelligence, beauty, talent, and spirit of togetherness embodied by many African peoples and cultures.
Utah Valley University's mascot is the wolverine which represents endurance, toughness, and perseverance.
We strive to find African symbols, concepts, and language which relate to core UVU values.
Benefit to the University as a Whole
The African Diaspora Initiative contributes significantly to the "come as you are" approach of UVU. We collaborate with campus and community partners to assist others in developing programs and services which enhance equity, inclusion, and diversity in our various schools/colleges and shared spaces.
