Departments / Office of Diversity_ Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

In June 2020, President Mengler announced the formation of a President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) to advance St. Mary’s efforts to stand firmly as an anti-racist university. He charged the Council to develop a set of recommendations for initiatives that would enhance the University’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion. By November 2020, the President’s Council submitted a total of 22 recommendations for self and institutional discovery, curriculum and co-curriculum, and an office of DEI and community outreach. The Council’s work in developing these recommendations was guided by the University’s Catholic and Marianist identity and mission. Early in their work, they shared with the campus community a special Marianist prayer for ending racism. The prayer reminded us of who we are as a Catholic and Marianist community. We are grateful for our call to live and spread the Marianist spirit of diversity and justice and celebrate everyone’s gifts and talents. The Office of DEI was established in August 2021 with the appointment of Associate Vice President Sheri King, Ph.D., who served as co-chair of the President’s Diversity Council, to lead, champion and implement initiatives that remind us of our call and Marianist spirit. Statement of Purpose The Office of DEI fosters efforts to define, cultivate and support an inclusive educational community and workplace environment aligned with St. Mary’s mission and its Catholic and Marianist identity. The Office is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion through community building and partnering to serve the common good. The work of the Office is guided by the St. Mary’s mission, Characteristics of Marianist Universities and Catholic Social Teaching focused on the shared tenets of understanding, appreciation and respect for human dignity and cultural differences. For more information: https://www.stmarytx.edu/about/diversity/