New Director of Diversity and Inclusion Joins MSUM
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Yvette Underdue Murph is pleased to announce that Jennifer Aranda has been appointed as the new Director of Diversity and Inclusion effective June 1, 2015.
Jennifer possesses vast knowledge on the concepts of diversity, equity, privilege and inclusion. She has extensive experience with the development and implementation of social and academic programs and services to engage and retain historically underrepresented people. She has expertise in collaborating with diverse campus stakeholders to support and retain at-risk students.
Currently, Jennifer serves as the Diversity Coordinator at Dakota State University. In her role she has organized the first Gay Straight Alliance and leads initiatives to challenge and collaborate with university constituents to institutionalize diversity education throughout the campus. Prior to this role she served as the Multicultural Student Advisor and Training Coordinator/Human Resources Assistant, both at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
“I am very excited to join MSUM to build and maintain collaborative relationships with a broad university constituency through active engagement to ultimately affirm, empower and inspire all students,” said Aranda.
Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Training and Development from University of Wisconsin-Stout, Bachelor of Arts in English from Mount Senario College and Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems from Chippewa Valley Technical Community College.
“I am confident that Jennifer’s holistic and comprehensive approach to diversity and inclusion will make a valuable and sustainable impact on our students and campus. Please join me in a hearty congratulations and warm welcome to Jennifer,” said Underdue Murph. “Also, join me in thanking the members of the search committee that included Amy Sannes, Chair, Director of Academic Support Center, Layne Anderson, Director of CMU, Joseph Hazelton, Associate Director of Housing & Residential Life, (MSUAASF) Yolanda Arauza, Professor, American Multicultural Studies (IFO) and Melissa Gonzalez (Student).”