Faculty and staff encouraged to network at Multicultural Mix and Mingle

New and returning faculty, staff celebrated the start of a new academic year by meeting colleagues from different ethnic groups and cultures during the Ohio University Faculty and Staff Multicultural Mix and Mingle on Sept 20.

The event was designed as an inclusive and fun way for the University community to drop in and network with each other at the end of the work day.

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion , the Ohio University Alumni Association and the University’s Human Resources Department cosponsored the event at the University’s Human Resources and Training Center.

Light refreshments were available and information tables were staffed with representatives from OHIO’s Office of Global Affairs and International Studies, the Veterans and Military Student Services Center, Council of Employees and Staff of African Descent, Alumni Association, Office of Human Resources and the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.

Assistant Professor of English Dr. Edmond Chang was one of the faculty members who attended the Mix and Mingle.

“I’m committed to making sure that I’m involved as a person of color and faculty,” said Dr. Chang. “I hope the University continues to diversify its staff. As students become more diverse, it’s important for them to see people like them.”

Atish Baidya, digital content editor at WOUB said, “I heard about this and thought it would probably be a good way to network across the University, to build relationships with folks who are also interested in diversity and inclusion. It’s nice to build those networks.”

Dr. Gigi Secuban, vice president for diversity and inclusion, and OHIO President Dr. M. Duane Nellis addressed the attendees during the event.

“This event serves as the foundation to build on these networks across Ohio University throughout the year,” said Dr. Secuban. “We plan to connect underrepresented faculty and staff through socials, lectures and other events. It starts with people identifying who they are, what groups they identify with and how can we connect them to those specific groups, not just in Athens, but regional campuses as well.”

President Nellis expressed why he believes the event is important.

“It’s so important for you to feel supported and we want you to continue to do great things for our University, for our students, our staff and our faculty,” said President Nellis. “We want to show we are truly outstanding in our commitment to creating a supportive environment no matter your gender, race, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or political beliefs.”

Monique Rogers-Dogbey, assistant director of prospect research and management in University Advancement, said she attends the fall semester multicultural faculty and staff meet-and-greet event every year.

“I come purely for the socialization, to mix and mingle with people I haven’t seen in a long time,” said Rogers-Dogbey.

Dr. Nagesh Rao has worked at OHIO for 12 years and as a doctor, administrator, professor and curently interim chair of the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Office of Inclusion, which opened in April.

“I helped the dean setup the Office of Inclusion,” said Rao. “I feel this is what needs to be done across the University for communication across departments.”