Division of Diversity and Inclusion now the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, has announced that Purdue’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion is changing its name to the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, effective immediately.

“The addition of the new term is a better representation of the work of the office and connects that work more intentionally with the efforts across campus to cultivate a sense of belonging for all Boilermakers,” Akridge says.

The new name more accurately reflects the mission, vision and work of the units that make up the office, and is consistent with research and assessment on the importance of belonging conducted by Student Life, Teaching and Learning, Institutional Data and Assessment, and several academic colleges.

John Gates, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, says: “We are excited about our new name and believe it aligns diversity and inclusion with contemporary scholarship on the positive impacts that belongingness has on student, staff and faculty success."

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging is located in Hovde Hall, where it provides leadership and support to Purdue’s cultural centers, presents compelling programming that engages the campus community in meaningful dialogue, and serves as a resource for students, faculty and staff. The office will continue to spearhead the implementation of the Equity Task Force priorities as established by Purdue’s Board of Trustees.

Read more about the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.