Under the leadership of Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) serves across the entire university system through resource centers, offices and affinity groups. Building on President Ruth Watkins’ vision for the future of One U, EDI launched One U Thriving as a synergistic approach in developing methods to achieve inclusion and equity throughout the University of Utah.

“Our mission is to really create a catalyst for change so that diversity does not sit alone, but in fact is centered in every part of the university,” said Villarreal.

With One U Thriving, EDI will communicate this vision of the university for equity, diversity and inclusion; ensure students, faculty and staff feel a sense of belonging and bring together four existing campus working groups:

• Anti-Racism Committee
• Racist & Bias Incident Response Team
• Presidential Commission on the Status of Women
• Universal Design and Access Committee

These committees will begin meeting monthly and the co-chairs of each group will meet quarterly with Villarreal, Lori McDonald, vice president for Student Affairs, and Jeff Herring, chief human resource officer. The entities will address campus needs in real-time and set action plans for the future.

This vision will provide a platform to voice and aid racial healing and transformation, respond to racist and bias incidents and help shape journeys toward an anti-racist, diverse, inclusive and equitable campus.

Learn more here.