On September 21, 2021, President Susan R. Wente announced the creation of the University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (UDEIC) to support the institution’s progress regarding matters of diversity, equity and inclusion.
This standing council will be advisory to President Wente and charged with supporting Wake Forest’s continual and ongoing commitment to each member of our community. The UDEIC will assess and provide input on the University’s progress toward fostering and sustaining inclusivity and belonging. The UDEIC will also be positioned to advise President Wente on emerging situations and to serve as an essential conduit for the campus community.
Current Membership
The University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council includes students, staff, faculty and alumni from across the Wake Forest community as well as a representative from the Board of Trustees. Each member will represent a broad range of voices and experiences and embrace our focus on radical collaboration. Positions will have one- or two-year rotating terms to allow continual representation and broad-based opportunities for service and engagement. Listed below are the current members and the areas they represent.
Council Co-Chairs
- José Villalba, Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
- Jimmy Ruiz, Professor of Medicine and Wake Forest University Senate Representative
University Trustee
- Jermyn Davis (’10), Board of Trustees
Students
- Jackson Buttler (’24), Student Body President
- Cameron French (’23, MSM ‘24), School of Business Graduate Student
- Sarah Haugh (‘24), IFC/PHC Leadership
- Rahmir Holloway (‘25), NPHC Leadership
Staff
- Stephanie Carter, Staff Advisory Council
- Dedee Johnston, Human Resources
- Arin Dunn, Athletics
- Nate French (’93, P ’23), Student Success
- Deb Marke (‘16), Office of Civic and Community Engagement
- Derenzo Thomas, Campus Life
Faculty
- Derrick Boone, School of Business
- Rais Rahman, Undergraduate College, Division One
- Ryan Shirey, Undergraduate College, Division Two
- Jay Curley, Undergraduate College, Division Three
- Megan Regan, Undergraduate College, Division Four
- Kyana Young, Undergraduate College, Division Five
Alumni
- Tonja Brooks (‘91, JD ‘96), Alumni Council
- Keenon Mann (’04), Affinity Alumni Organization