Dear Campus Community,
I hope all of you had a safe and restful winter break and are ready to get back to work. Some of you are new to the Wright State University family, we are thrilled that you have made the decision to join us.
Unfortunately, we must continue in the same operating mode as we did last semester because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly all of you will start the term as you concluded the last, by studying and working remotely. I know for many of you the remote environment is not one in which you feel a sense of belonging. I dream fondly of the day that our campuses can come alive again with your return, but sadly that is not a safe option right now, and your safety has always been one of my main concerns.
I feel it is important in life that we continue to move forward, even during our greatest challenges. We can take solace in that effort, that pursuit of progress toward our goals even when we are thrown off our path for a moment. It is through courage, our adaptability, and our kindness to others that we can face anything.
I know that 2020 was extremely challenging for us all, and that 2021 in some ways has already got off to a rough start, but I am confident that we can overcome anything when we work together and for each other.
It is not lost on me that times of change are very difficult for many of us. Here at Wright State, we are quite familiar with what change can bring, including its opportunities. I’m proud that at Wright State we have a culture that works together. It is one that has navigated change and achieved great results even though we’ve endured much adversity along the way.
Search Updates:
Bolinga Center
I am pleased to announce that Quatez Scott has been hired as the intercultural specialist of the Bolinga Black Cultural Resources Center. Quatez previously served as director of diversity and inclusion at Mercy College of Ohio. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses, including Diversity Leadership and Introduction to Africana Studies at The University of Toledo. He received a B.A. in communication arts from Wilmington College, an M.A. in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University, and is a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Toledo. He is eager to get to work on campus and looks forward to developing relationships across our community.
LGBTQA Affairs
I am also very pleased to inform the campus community that Emily Yantis-Houser has been hired to the permanent role of the intercultural specialist in the Office of LGBTQA Affairs. Emily has served as Wright State’s interim associate director of LGBTQA affairs since July 2019 and as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies since 2015. She received a B.A. in women’s studies from Wright State in 2009 and an M.Ed. in human sexuality education in 2011 from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in human sexuality education from Widener. She looks forward to continuing to serve minority students and pushing forward inclusive excellence at Wright State.
Please join me in welcoming Quatez and Emily to their new roles.
In closing, I want to wish you all the best for a productive and healthy 2021.
Best wishes,
Sue
