Dear Colleagues: Navigating Policy Shifts and Advancing Inclusion with Purpose—An Opportunity for Real Change

Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CT

Political changes, restrictive legislation, and shifting institutional priorities have created an environment where DEI efforts are increasingly scrutinized, challenged, and, in some cases, dismantled. Yet, the need for inclusive and equitable learning environments has never been more urgent. So, where do we go from here? 

In this discussion, we will examine both national and state-level responses to DEI, including federal guidance such as the Dear Colleague letter and state-level bans, to better understand their implications for higher education. This conversation will acknowledge the real obstacles and complexities educators face while also highlighting strategies for resilience, advocacy, and forward momentum.

We recognize that these are difficult and, at times, deeply personal discussions. That’s why this session is designed to be a safe and open space—one where attendees can engage in a thoughtful, respectful, and solutions-driven dialogue. This is an opportunity to ask tough questions, gain actionable insights, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose in the work of fostering true inclusion in higher education.  

Let this be a moment where we learn from one another, strengthen our resolve, and commit to doing this work—together.  

Topics covered: 

• Political and institutional response 
• Enrollment and DEI challenges 
• Intersectionality in DEI 
• Reframing DEI in a changing political climate 
• Building resilience and advocacy networks 
• The future of DEI in higher ed

Meet Your Presenters:

Kaleb L. Briscoe is an Assistant Professor of Adult and Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Her research examines campus racial climate environments and hate crimes on college campuses, higher education politics and policy, and presidential rhetoric, discourse, and responses to issues of race and racism. She has published her work in venues such as the Journal of Higher Education, Review of Higher Education, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, Journal of College Student Development, and Journal of Negro Education. Dr. Briscoe is a 2025 Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 2023-2025 ACPA Emerging Scholar-Designee, 2023-2024 University of California Fellow for the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement, and 2023 Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) Mildred Garcia Research Junior Award recipient. In 2024, Dr. Briscoe presented her research on hate crimes at the White House at a Workshop on Advancing Understanding of Hate and Bias-Related Incidents sponsored by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, National Security Council, and the Domestic Policy Council, with support from the National Science Foundation, National Institute of Justice, and National Institutes of Health, in response to the administration’s goal to improve awareness of hate and bias-related incidents across the country.  

 

 

Timothy K. Eatman, PhD, an educational sociologist and publicly engaged scholar, serves as the Inaugural Dean of the Honors Living – Learning Community and Professor of Urban Education at Rutgers University-Newark. Before this current appointment, his primary network of scholarly operation and leadership was with the national consortium Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life serving as Faculty Co-Director. Eatman currently serves as the Board of Directors Past Chair and Membership Committee Chair of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). Also, with AAC&U, he serves as a faculty member of the Institute on High Impact Practices for Student Success (HIPS). Hs is national co-chair of the Urban Research Based Action Network, a member of the National Advisory Committee for the Carnegie Engagement Classification for Community Engagement, a member of the National Advisory Board for Bringing Theory to Practice (BTtP), and an elected member at large of the American Democracy Project Steering Committee of AASCU. Eatman has served as board chair of the International Association for Service Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE). 

 

 

 

Dr. Molly Kerby is the Assistant Provost for Institutional Effectiveness & Engagement at Western Kentucky University. She also holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Sociology & Criminology and serves on dissertation committees in the EdD program. Dr. Kerby earned her undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Environmental Science, as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Western Kentucky University. She completed her PhD in Higher Education Administration at the University of Louisville. Dr. Kerby’s research primarily explores theoretical foresight models of community and organizational change, with a particular emphasis on higher education, civic engagement, and mid-level leadership. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has made significant contributions to programs in Sociology, Public Health, and Gender & Women’s Studies. Additionally, Dr. Kerby is the founder of Innovate-U Coaching & Consulting. 

 

 

Dr. Edward G. Robinson is a visionary leader in higher education, renowned for his expertise in student retention, enrollment management, and institutional transformation. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at two and four-year institutions, he has pioneered innovative student success models and strategic enrollment initiatives that have reshaped academic institutions. As the founder of 3-I Innovation, Dr. Robinson continues to drive change through data-driven strategies and professional development programs. A published author and sought-after speaker, he is dedicated to empowering educators and institutions to foster student achievement and long-term success. 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Code: PC25A