Speaker
DeVon Wilson
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the UW–Madison College of Letters & Science
DeVon Wilson, M.S.Ed., is the inaugural associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Letters & Science. Wilson works with the dean and the senior leadership team to advance the college’s inclusive excellence priorities. In addition to leading strategic diversity and inclusion efforts in the recruitment, retention and success of underrepresented faculty, staff and students, Wilson supports research and curriculum planning initiatives that advance the college’s goals for diversity, equity and inclusion. A first-generation college student, Wilson earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Beloit College and worked there in admissions and student affairs, becoming assistant dean of students after earning his master’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University. Wilson has advanced diversity, equity and inclusion on a national level, including serving as an executive coach for chief diversity officers at selected public and private universities through the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership and Social Innovation (CSDLSI) in Atlanta, GA.
Speaking in
So You Want to Do a Climate Survey: Alternative Approaches and Ways to Leverage Existing Data and Enact Real Change
Want to understand better the differences that members of your school or division experience, identify best practices, and make improvements? Think your only option is to deploy a unit-level climate survey? Think again! There are alternative approaches and ways to leverage existing data from already deployed campuswide climate surveys to accomplish this work. Learn how to review existing data, dig deeper to unearth inequities, communicate findings, and most importantly, take action to ensure necessary improvements are being made in this workshop.
Laying the Groundwork for Brighter Futures: Pathways to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Administration
Belonging is a crucial ingredient for success in any professional environment. But while most academic and industry leaders desire to create an atmosphere of belonging, the pathway is often unclear. In this session, a panel of UW leaders with diverse experience and expertise will discuss ways to break barriers and move toward greater diversity, equity and inclusion while amplifying previously untold stories of those who endeavored to do the same. The panelists will share a framework for approaching this work based upon efforts from different parts of UW–Madison intended to promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion, including high-impact educational strategies and best practices for fostering a sense of belonging. Participants will take away valuable knowledge and insights into this framework that they can use to affect change in their workplaces to move toward a more equitable and inclusive future.