DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND BELONGING
At Elizabethtown College, You Belong
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging stands as a cornerstone of our campus community, dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual's unique journey is not only acknowledged but also celebrated. With unwavering commitment, we extend our support to those whose voices have been historically marginalized, ensuring that their experiences find validation and empowerment within our institution. Through education, dialogue, and meaningful engagement, we champion identities that enrich our community, while resolutely addressing systemic inequities that persist. In embracing diversity and promoting equity, we strive to create a space where every member can truly find a sense of belonging.
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Welcome to the Office of
Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
I am pleased to serve as the Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity, and Belonging. Our office works collaboratively with colleagues, students, and the broader community to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We embrace the inherent symbolism of the compass, as it reminds our team that although it will take some time, we can reach our destination together.
As a country and a college, we are wrestling with some challenging historical and present-day truths that directly impact our ability to create an inclusive and equitable learning environment. Still, we are motivated by Etown's intentional interpersonal and institutional progress toward transformational and sustainable change.
Our Center for Multicultural Affairs and our progress towards becoming an American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Truth Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center represent the most recent expansion of our efforts. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging educates the community, celebrates identity, and addresses structural inequities.
The Campus Inclusion Council advises the DEB office which supports students, staff, and faculty with programming, research and resources, and pedagogical considerations. There are many ways to participate and connect to new and ongoing efforts. Please continue to browse our site to learn more about DEB at Etown and how you can get involved.
Kesha Morant Williams, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Bias Incident Reports
Elizabethtown College is committed to building and maintaining an environment that fosters a culturally vibrant campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and where all community members achieve a sense of belonging. Due to that commitment, the Office of Diversity, Equity & Belonging will share dashboards for the Elizabethtown College campus community to view indicating the number and type of bias-related incidents reported to the College. In addition, progress reports will be released to the campus community demonstrating new initiatives and/or progress made at the institution.
Report a Bias Incident View the Bias Incident Report PageLand Acknowledgement
Elizabethtown College recognizes and respects the fact that our institution is located on the Susquehannock people's ancestral homeland. While there is currently no Susquehannock community, we recognize the historical and cultural significance of this land. As an institution of higher education, we endeavor to honor and respect the indigenous people who once inhabited this territory.
This living document is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing an inclusive and equitable environment for all community members. We are committed to developing a space that not only recognizes the past but also actively contributes to a more equitable future. Our commitment to inclusivity extends not only to those who are currently a part of our community, but also to those whose ancestry is inextricably linked with this land.
A group of Elizabethtown College colleagues are advancing our research and understanding of the land on which our institution resides. By studying the history and culture of this region, we hope to bridge the divide between the past and the present, recognizing the significance of the land's indigenous peoples. We will share updates on our progress and findings as part of our commitment.
As an institution that strives to foster the values of human dignity and social justice, we extend our gratitude to the indigenous communities that have cared for this land for generations. We are committed to recognizing and learning from your contributions and history, which are integral to our collective narrative.
Mission
Collaborating with students, faculty, staff and the greater community, our office promotes a culture prioritizing individual worth and interconnectedness. Our mission is realized through a variety of events, activities and initiatives exploring topics including but not limited to race/ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, ability status, national origin, and religion.
The Mosaic House
The Mosaic House is a safe space for identity-based clubs and organizations, a multi-purpose location for activities that promote belonging on Campus. Since October 2016, the Mosaic House has provided educational programming and social events focusing on diversity and inclusion. Student organizations may reserve spaces and hold programs in the Mosaic House. The house is a space dedicated to clubs, organizations, and students who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color or as other historically marginalized identities.
The Mosaic HouseMeet The Team
Kesha Morant Williams, Ph.D. (she/her)
Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Alpha Hall Room 201
717-361-3600
Kesha Morant Williams, Ph.D. is an accomplished communicator, researcher, and advocate who is committed to building human and social capital in academic and community spaces. She currently serves as the Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity & Belonging and Professor of Humanities and Communication Arts at Elizabethtown College. She is responsible for providing college-wide vision and leadership with DEIB efforts.
Morant Williams scholarship and other professional experiences are vested in creating space for identity and voice for marginalized or non-dominant experiences. She is well-published in academic and popular press and has served as a facilitator and keynote speaker in many venues. She earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Communication and Culture at Howard University, her M.A. from Penn State University, Harrisburg, and her B.A. from West Chester University of PA.
Darcey V. Mills BS'18, MS'23 (he/him)
Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging
Baugher Student Center Room 209
717-361-1998
Darcey has worked in higher education for over 15 years, serving in a variety of roles and departments at Elizabethtown College. He currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, and leads initiatives that empower students with marginalized identities. Specifically, he utilizes creative approaches to provide comprehensive support, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities to historically underrepresented students.
Darcey advises the Intercultural Diversity Board and the Class of 2024 on campus. He graduated from Elizabethtown College with a bachelor's degree in human services and a master's degree in strategic leadership. He envisions a campus with vibrant and accessible intercultural programming that fosters dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Diversity Equity & Belonging Student Resources
Gabrielle Reed, M.S. (she/her)
Title IX Coordinator
Baugher Student Center Room 210
717-361-3727
Gabrielle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications with a focus in Communication Studies from Millersville University, as well as completing her thesis at Millersville University. She received her Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University. Gabrielle is the Title IX Coordinator, and her role is to coordinate the college's efforts to comply with obligations under Title IX and Title IX regulations.
Title IX Resources
Maria Petty (she/her)
International Student Programs Advisor & Recruiter/PDSO
Baugher Student Center Room 248
717-361-1594
Maria works directly with international students throughout the student life cycle, from prior to arrival to post-graduation work authorization. She assists international students in acclimating to the educational, cultural, and social differences between their home countries and the U.S. through directed programming, workshops, and events. Maria has a BS in communications and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Trevecca University.
International Student Resources
Jennifer Frey (she/her)
Assistant to the Senior Advisor for Diversity, Equity and Belonging
Alpha Hall Room 202
717-361-3159
Jenn joined the Etown College community during the summer of 2021 and is the Executive Assistant to the Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity and Belonging. Jenn provides administrative support to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Belonging, DEB for Students, and Title IX. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Penn College in Business Administration and is currently working on her Master of Science in Strategic Leadership through Etown’s SGPS program. Jenn also serves on the Executive Committee of Staff Council.