Hakeem Leonard
Assistant Provost for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
Dr. Leonard’s position in academic affairs is focused on defining, assessing, strategizing, and implementing inclusive excellence as central to the Shenandoah’s mission. He is interested in processes, practices, and policies that make a real and sustainable impact throughout the institution and with schools, divisions, programs, and departments. The areas of the work surround initiatives of recruitment, retention, and success of diverse faculty and staff, support for faculty development, working to support and collaborate with faculty and teaching staff for transformative learning, and collaborating across the university to support student success, engagement, and belonging.
It is going to take us all working together for transformation. The unexamined impacts of racism and oppression cannot stand here. We are not unique in that racism and oppression are everywhere, but we want to be accountable in the way we acknowledge, listen and learn, commit and collaborate, and follow through with sustained action."
Dahlia Ashford
Assistant Dean of Students for Inclusion, Diversity, & Leadership
Dahlia Ashford provides leadership in the areas of student conduct, The Mosaic Center for Diversity, and the [Not Just] Women’s Center. She is responsible for implementing diversity initiatives that enhance retention and persistence through to graduation, as well as life skills development for underrepresented students.
My goals are to develop relationships within the Shenandoah community that will prove beneficial to our students. I plan to increase the retention efforts for our underrepresented populations. Our students need us more than ever, and I hope that Shenandoah University proves to be a place where students can flourish and become productive global citizens.”
DeShon Foxx
Assistant Vice President for Advancement
Foxx has a leadership role with the department's RED (racial equity and diversity) team. DeShon is responsible for athletic educational programming and leading collaborative efforts across campus. He provides resources for underrepresented students in order to encourage their holistic development and the acquisition of life skills.
I look forward to collaborating with everyone on campus in an effort to further the success of the students at Shenandoah University as well as being a part of the continuing holistic development of the community."
Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity News
Building a Latinx Family at Shenandoah
Consuelo "Elly" Mazariegos '20 (Bachelor of Arts in Biology), a member of Shenandoah's growing Latinx community, says mentoring, a family-like atmosphere and support are all part of the university scene. It's a place where, if you need help, all you ... Continue Reading Building a Latinx Family at…
Commemorating the Juneteenth Holiday
The following message was sent to the Shenandoah University community on June 17, 2022: Dear Shenandoah University community, This weekend we will celebrate Juneteenth. Also called Freedom Day, Liberation Day, or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is a ... Continue Reading Commemorating the Juneteenth Holiday
Seminar Developed by Shenandoah Student Focuses on Improving Diversity Among Physician Assistants
Lack of diversity is an issue in the physician assistant (PA) profession, according to figures presented by Pangela Dawson, Ph.D., PA-C, director of Morehouse School of Medicine PA Program, at the June 4 Physician Assistant Program Admissions Success ... Continue Reading Seminar Developed by Shenandoah Student…