Faculty, Administrators, and Student Leaders

Several individuals at GMU have been instrumental in the development and implementation of the university’s diversity policies. These include both faculty and student leaders who pushed for change, as well as administrators who oversaw the institutionalization of these policies.

Key Figures in GMU’s DEI Evolution

  • Dr. A. Linwood: The first Diversity Officer at GMU, Dr. A. Linwood played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in 1991. Dr. Linwood’s leadership helped the university recognize the need for systemic changes and led efforts to recruit and support diverse student populations. His work in fostering institutional change made diversity a key priority for GMU’s future.

  • Dr. Susan Park: A faculty member in the Sociology Department, Dr. Park is known for her groundbreaking research on racial inequality in higher education. Her work has been influential in shaping GMU’s policies, particularly in understanding the barriers that underrepresented students face in accessing higher education and how universities can remove those barriers.

  • Student Leaders: Throughout GMU’s history, student leaders have been instrumental in pushing for diversity reforms. Figures from organizations like the Black Student Alliance and the LGBTQ+ Student Alliance have advocated for changes in the curriculum, policies around student life, and faculty hiring practices. These leaders were often at the forefront of protests and sit-ins demanding more inclusive practices from the administration.

Faculty, Administrators, and Student Leaders