Aims to promote inclusion
Texas A&M University–Kingsville’s (TAMUK) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program is under the supervision of its first director, Dr. Jarett Lujan.
“Being the inaugural director of this role on campus means a lot to me. The responsibility of this role is not lost on me, and I know there will be a lot of challenges along the way,” Dr. Lujan said. “However, I am really excited to get started educating, advocating, and helping those populations in most need. Within this role I hope to hold various DEI related trainings, advise on programming, and doing all that we can to make TAMUK more inclusive.”
A national search was conducted to fill the role and Dr. Lujan was one of the many applicants who applied and participated in the interview process.
The selection advisory committee was made up of students, faculty and staff from across campus representing various parts of the community. After the exhaustive search, Lujan accepted the offer and officially joined Javelina Nation on May 23.
“TAMUK is not only a South Texas university with a regional mission, but it is also an institution with a global outlook and commitment. The University’s emphasis on (DEI) is a reflection of that commitment,” Regents Professor of Political Science and Search Committee member Dr. Nirmal Goswami said. “The University has had a long history of participative tradition of upholding principles of social justice and equity. In the 1960s, TAMUK’s role in opposing discrimination is part of a well-documented record of the University’s equity-driven activism. So, in many ways, a DEI initiative is a continuation of the University’s legacy.”
As Director, Dr. Lujan is charged with forming a new University Committee on DEI which will report to the President. This committee will replace the President’s Committee on Climate, Diversity, and Inclusion which was a special committee formed by former president Dr. Mark Hussey in 2020 to specifically look at areas of concern at that time. Their charge was limited to reviewing campus culture and bringing forth any recommendations to improve the community.
“Our hope is that as a community, we can further develop and implement policies, programs, and educational opportunities that actively foster an equitable and inclusive learning, research and work environment, and create a space where everyone feels welcomed and accepted,” Chief of Staff John Carrillo said.