Committee Members

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Department: Mass Media
Where from: Charleston, MO
Nationality: African American
Length of time serving: Founding Member, since 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 Pronouns: He/Him/His
Department: Conservatory of Theatre and Dance
Where from: Lexington, VA
Nationality: White American
Length of time serving: Founding Member, since 2018
Statement: "I believe in the fundamental dignity of all human persons. I believe it is our moral imperative as humans, and particularly as storytellers, to have an empathic understanding of the human condition faced by all people. I believe it is too simple to throw about current anti-racist language and jargon, but when it is used it should be about self-reflection and societal and personal human transformation. I believe that bringing these understandings of self and the world serve the conversations that students must be allowed to have in order to change the arts and the world. "   

Eden Hildebrand

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Department: Conservatory of Theatre & Dance
Where from: Calgary, Alberta
Nationality: White Canadian
Length of time serving: Since Fall 2023
Statement: "As an artist and educator, it is my duty to create spaces which celebrate diversity and to acknowledge when I/my affiliated organizations need to do better. As a woman in a position of power in a traditionally male-dominated field, I hope to inspire others to find their voices and will speak up with mine when they cannot. I will continually practice allyship and champion representation. First Gen? Me too!"

Kennedee Nash

Preferred Pronouns: She/Her
Department: Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre & Dance
Where from: Blytheville, AR
Nationality: African American
Length of time serving: Since Fall of 2023
Statement: "I aspire to serve as a diligent intermediary between students and educators, specifically focusing on empowering students of color to have their voices acknowledged and amplified. It is my objective to ensure that all students are well-informed about our presence as advocates, assuring them of our unwavering support. I firmly believe that every student at SEMO deserves to have their voice heard, irrespective of their race, religion, gender, or sexuality. I am committed to facilitating their ability to express their voices and fostering an inclusive environment."

Dr. Jim Daughters

Preferred Pronouns: He/Him/His
Department: Music
Where from: Burlington, KY
Nationality: White American
Length of time serving: Since Fall 2024
Statement: " I’ve been teaching middle school, high school, and university students since 2001, and I have been a member of the LGBTQ+ community my entire life. It wasn’t until I started teaching here at SEMO in 2021 that I had the courage to be open about who I was with students. That in itself has been a true blessing. I want to help our students find their voice and their path; while reassuring them it is okay to be who they are!"