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Mission Statement
The Holland College of Arts and Media Diversity and Inclusion Committee seeks to intentionally foster equity, diversity and inclusion within the college, university, and service area through:
- Recruitment and retention efforts
- Curriculum advocacy and development
- Creative activity
Current Membership
Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson, Chair
Preferred Pronoun: He/Him/His
Department: Music
Where from: Jarratt, VA
Nationality: African American
Length of time serving: Original Member, since 2018
Statement: “As a minority teaching in higher education, I feel that it is critical to be visible
and vocal for those who feel unheard. This committee affords me the opportunity to
do just that by advocating for underrepresented and marginalized groups of people.”
Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck
Preferred Pronoun: She/Her/Herself
Department: Mass Media
Where from: Charleston, Missouri
Nationality: African American
Length of time serving: Original Member – 2018
Statement: “I have watched black students, faculty and professional staff leave this university
at alarming rates, and those who remain have no one to look to for mentorship or advice.
I want to use my voice to increase visibility of minorities by providing support that
makes them feel they are seen, heard, and safe on this campus. Further, I want to
ingrain representation and inclusion of diverse groups in our curriculum, campus culture,
and this community. It’s important to me that I use my experiences, skills, and vision
to lead and be a resource who can encourage, educate and enable others to pursue academic
and career goals above and beyond any obstacles they may encounter.”
Josh Harvey
Preferred Pronoun: He/Him/His
Department: Theatre and Dance
Where from: Virginia
Nationality: USA
Length of time serving: 2 years
Dr. Sophia Han
Preferred Pronoun: She/Her/Herself
Department: Music
Where from: Wuhan, China
Nationality: Chinese-American
Length of time serving: Since Spring 2020
Statement: “I want to use my visibility to provide our students, staff, and faculty of color
the opportunity to be seen. I want to use my voice to help raise the voices of those
who are unheard. My students inspire me to continue to defend and protect their equality
on this campus regardless of their ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic background.
This is why I am here.”
Benjie Heu
Preferred Pronoun: He/Him/His
Department: Department of Art and Design
Where from: All over. Panama, Hawaii, Alabama, Massachusetts, Ohio, Mississippi, California,
and now Southeast Missouri!
Nationality: Asian/Caucasian mix
Length of time serving: Since 2018, 2 years.
Statement: “We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural
diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community—and this nation.” – Cesar
Chavez
Anthony Shepard
Preferred Pronoun: He/Him/His
Department: Conservatory of Theatre and Dance
Where from: St. Louis, Missouri
Nationality: USA
Length of time serving: Founding member, since 2018
Statement: “I am here to ensure that there is a space for everyone on campus. It is my desire
to assist the faculty, staff, and students with creating and maintaining a community
in which we celebrate our differences.”
Roxanne Wellington
Preferred Pronoun: She/Her/Hers
Department: Conservatory of Theatre and Dance
Where from: Metro Detroit Area
Nationality: USA
Length of time serving: First Year
Statement: I hope to use my visibility and voice to support students, faculty and staff to celebrate
their diversity, and to help amplify the voices of marginalized members of our Southeast
community.
My goal as a theatre educator has always been to educate myself as well as my students
to be aware when all voices are not being heard, and to notice when there isn’t a
space for everyone to be included - to find ways to create them.
I’m excited and proud to be serving on a committee that is devoted to recognizing
and respecting what makes us unique. I want to do my part to ensure that Southeast
is a place where individuals are valued and treated equitably, and a place that allows
everyone to contribute, thrive and celebrate together.
Past Membership
Duane Jones
Preferred Pronoun: He/Him/His
Department: Residence Life
Where from: Hannibal, Missouri
Current Location: Arlington, Texas
Nationality: Bi-Racial – African American and Caucasian
Length of time served: 1 year
Statement: “I joined the committee because of my commitment to diversity, inclusion, and visibility
is something I hold near to my heart to serve every student I come in contact with.”
Contact
(573) 651-2210
tmessmer@semo.edu
River Campus Seminary 306
One University Plaza, MS 7895
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701