Chapter 11: How to Do Dei Work When Dei is not a Part Of Your Job Description

I am a proud graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). At Central State University, I earned the Bachelor of Science in elementary education. I became the first female in my family to achieve this honor. At the time of my graduation, I realized I did not plan to work within an elementary school classroom but my passion for education was still very strong. My work study position held during undergrad granted me exposure to working in Student Affairs on the lowest rung. Being both a student and an employee in Admissions, I was given most of the grunt work that I had to do with a smile. I served as a tour guide and was literally the first face of the office. I loved sharing my alma mater’s story and exposing prospective families to our rich institutional history. At that time, I was not aware that I could pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education Administration. The next step on my educational journey was completed at Wright State University (WSU) where I completed a master’s degree in student affairs in higher education administration. I successfully defended my master’s thesis titled,Residential Students’ Perceptions of Offices That Identify Themselves as a Student Support Service for Racial Minorities at Wright State University. By focusing on the research surrounding unique challenges that faced racial minority students (lack of social support) within metropolitan universities, and coupling it with WSU’s diversity statement, I surveyed current students to assess their awareness and satisfaction with student support services put in place for their needs. A majority of the respondents were undecided on whether the offices that identified themselves as a student support service for racial minorities promoted segregation or initiated inclusive programming. My study looked at cultural perspectives, perceptions of campus climate, and strategies to improve campus climate in the literature. My research helped me to discover a strong interest in working within an environment whose sole focus would be diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEIA). Unfortunately, those jobs were not actually vacant at the institutions in my area. Initially, my mood was deflated. After all, my goal was to work in a multicultural center. I found out that most people in these roles keep them until retirement age. I was also at a huge disadvantage if there were already African Americans employed in these offices. Instead, they were looking for Hispanic or Spanish speaking professionals to fill the roles.