Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team is composed of Walker College of Business faculty, staff and students who advise college administrators on diversity and inclusiveness opportunities and needs within the college. The team also looks at comparative and aspirational programs to benchmark seeking to make the college a leader at the university in pursuing inclusive excellence. If you would like to be part of this team, please read the membership guidelines and email DEI Team Chair Jacqueline Tilton, tiltonjd@appstate.edu.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

The Walker College of Business is committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all Appalachian business faculty, staff and students to enhance their cross-cultural and community leadership and engagement.

We foster a culture that values diversity and we intentionally include people and perspectives from diverse cultures, worldviews, backgrounds, traditions and ways of life.

We know that diversity takes many forms, including, but not limited to, diversity of Age, (Dis)ability, Cultural Background, Educational Background, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Geographical Region, National Origin, Neurodiversity, Race and Ethnicity, Religion, Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Socioeconomic Status/Social Class and Veteran Status.

We believe organizations that value people from a multitude of backgrounds have a competitive advantage in global industry and that business can empower change on a grand scale when guided by just, inclusive and equitable principles.

We aspire to provide a welcoming and empowering home for every business student, faculty and staff member, where all 1) value diverse perspectives, 2) acknowledge societal injustices toward marginalized groups, 3) recognize and overcome our own biases and 4) use our talents and skills to create a more inclusive and just society.

Current Members

Department/Unit Name	Liaison Name	Liaison Email
DEI Team Chair	Jacqueline Tilton	tiltonjd@appstate.edu
Accounting	Mary Ann Hofmann	hofmannma@appstate.edu
Business Career Services	Michelle Brown	brownmd@appstate.edu
Computer Information Systems	Wei Xie	xiew1@appstate.edu
Dean's Office	Martin Meznar	meznarmb@appstate.edu
Economics	Ji Yan	yanj@appstate.edu
Finance, Banking, and Insurance / Brantley Risk & Insurance Center	Sabina Pandey	pandeys@appstate.edu
Global and Civic Engagement	Stephanie Moretz	moretzsm1@appstate.edu
Global and Civic Engagement	Meredith Pipes	churchmm@appstate.edu
Graduate Programs	John Baker
Graduate Programs	RamyaSri Vemuri	vemurir@appstate.edu
Management	Justin Kent	kentjk@appstate.edu
Marketing & Supply Chain Management	Stephanie Lawson	lawsonsj1@appstate.edu
Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship	Erich Schlenker	schlenkere@appstate.edu
Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship	Sara Figlow	figlowse@appstate.edu

Mission & Vision

Mission

The Walker College of Business Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Team serves to advise Walker College administrators on diversity and inclusiveness opportunities, needs and outcomes. Composed of business faculty and staff from across the college, the team is dedicated to finding practical ways to implement the values of inclusiveness and diversity so that all students, faculty and staff find a safe and welcoming community within the Walker College of Business.

Vision

We aspire to provide a welcoming and empowering home for every business student, faculty and staff member, where all 1) value diverse perspectives, 2) acknowledge societal injustices toward marginalized groups, 3) recognize and overcome our own biases and 4) use our talents and skills to create a more inclusive and just society.

Membership

Membership Guidelines

The membership will consist of the following:

Walker COB CAE DEI Liaisons (1/department)
Walker COB faculty (up to five)
Walker COB staff (up to five)
Walker COB students (intending and declared; undergraduate and graduate; minimum of 2)
Friends of the Committee (including Multicultural Student Development, Inclusive Excellence with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning for Student Success, Student Development, and the Chief Diversity Officer)

Member Expectations

Actively participate in committee activities by bringing views, opinions, expertise, etc., to the table as we continue to shape and develop an inclusive environment;
Physically attend a majority of WCOB DEI Team meetings and actively participate in discussions, training, and activities;
Have an open mind and a willingness to challenge and be challenged in working towards change;
Actively participate in the DEI training scheduled by the WCOB DEI Team;
Stay abreast of DEI issues (specifically in education) and opportunities for DEI education;
Support and engage in on- and off-campus, DEI-related activities;
Work in support of the goals set forth in the Walker College of Business Strategic Plan
Commit to a minimum of one (1) year of service to the WCOB DEI Team.