Inclusive excellence is a framework for addressing diversity, inclusion, and equity by embedding these issues into the core aspects of the university – the mission and operations of the institution. Inclusive excellence is both a vision for transforming an organization and the practice of achieving that vision.
Inclusive excellence describes a pathway for achieving academic and institutional excellence. NKU strives to attain inclusive excellence by preparing all students to live, work, and flourish through engagement in an increasingly multicultural and globalized community, and, by creating the conditions that allow all members of the NKU community, irrespective of identity, background, or institutional position, to thrive, (realize their capabilities), engage meaningfully in institutional life, and contribute to the flourishing of others.
In December 2010, President James Votruba established a Campus Diversity Plan Task Force. He charged this task force with developing a comprehensive, university-wide diversity plan that would be inclusive of all the diversity goals on our campus.
In May 2011, the Board of Regents adopted the diversity plan produced by this task force. Thereafter, the plan was also approved by the Council on Postsecondary Education. Among the diversity plan recommendations was the creation of a position whose primary responsibility would be to support the University's diversity efforts.
The Office of Inclusive Excellence was established at Northern Kentucky University in August 2014 when former NKU President Geoffrey Mearns appointed Dr. Kathleen Roberts the first Senior Advisor to the President on Inclusive Excellence.
Amy Danzo, Director, Testing Services
Bethany Bowling, Senior Associate Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Bonnie Meyer, Director, LGBTQ Programs and Services
Brandelyn Tosolt, Faculty, Teacher Education
Caroline Macke, Faculty, Counseling, Social Work and Leadership
Cindy Knox, Director, Disability Programs and Services
Dannie Moore, Senior Associate Dean for Student Inclusion
Francoise Knox-Kazimierczuk, Faculty, Allied Health
Frank Robinson, Director, Norse Adivising
Jack Harrison, Faculty, Chase Law
Judy Voelker, Faculty, Sociology
Kathleen Roberts, Council Chair, Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusive Excellence
Kimberly McCoy, Advisor, Norse Advising
Leah Stewart, Assistant Vice President, Enrollment and Financial Assistance
Lori Wright, Director, Student Support Services
Maureen Doyle, Associate Dean, College of Informatics
Rachel Green, Director, Employee Relations & EEO
Shamima Ahmed, Chair, Political Science
