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."   

Benjie Heu

Preferred Pronouns : 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 : Biracial: Asian and White 
Length of time serving : Since 2018
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  

Dr. Sophia Han

Preferred Pronouns : She/Her/Herself
Departments: 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.”

Dr. Aaron Wacker

Preferred Pronouns : He/Him
Department : Music
Where from : Fort Morgan, Colorado
Nationality : White American
Length of time serving : Since Fall 2023
Statement : "As an out LGBTQ+ faculty member, I hope to use my visibility and voice to celebrate diversity and amplify marginalized voices at Southeast and on the River Campus. My students inspire me daily, both inside and outside the classroom, and I want to continue to advocate for their mental health and equity on this campus, regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds."

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 to!"

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 voices 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."

Malachi Williams

Preferred Pronouns : He/Him/His
Department : Department of Music
Where from : Poplar Bluff, MO
Nationality : Biracial: African American & White
Length of time serving : Since Fall 2023
Statement : "I come from a community that does not accept diversity and inclusiveness, and now being at SEMO, I have seen how differences are not feared and hated, but rather accepted and celebrated. I want to be a part of that community and encourage others to not only accept this community so many are blessed to be a part of but be joined and unified together in it."