Leading the Charge for Institutional Transformation through Equitable Digital Learning

Streamed Session Leadership

Brief Abstract

The current climate surrounding institutional equity highlights the need for systemic transformation across the US higher education landscape. Join equity experts as they discuss institutional equity challenges and opportunities, how they impact student retention and outcomes, and how we can leverage digital learning to improve student success and ensure a feeling of belonging in a wide range of learning environments.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Karen Cangialosi, Every Learner Everywhere Network

Co-presenter: Tracie D. Jones, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tracie is the assistant dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Her portfolio of work includes strategic planning, assessment, program development, facilitation, coaching and community engagement. In addition to her role at MIT she teaches a graduate course, Diversity and Inclusion Management at the Harvard Extension School. Prior to MIT, Tracie was the Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at the Harvard Graduate school of Education and served on the Diversity Council for Harvard University. Through her community spaces and students programs such as the Black Student Alliance, Tracie aims at improving student outcomes. She uses technology to document student accomplishments and to connect students to one another across the globe. In addition, Tracie built a digital learning community called Adventure Girlz to support Black girls attending Ivy League universities. Outside of work Tracie is an active water sports enthusiast and enjoys swimming, sailing and scuba diving. She serves on the Board of the Billion Oyster Project as the committee chair for Programs and Community Engagement. Through public education initiatives her team works on engaging the community in restoring oyster reefs to​ the New York Harbor.

Co-presenter: Antwan Jefferson, University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Antwan Jefferson is the Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. As a faculty member, Antwan teaches in the Human Development and Family Relations program and the Urban and Diverse Communities concentration of the Leadership for Educational Equity EdD program. His teaching emphasizes achieving social justice, increasing an asset-based emphasis on diverse families, and supporting stronger and deeper community engagement in the schooling education of students through the pre-service training of helping professionals and teachers. His research considers the role of local communities in educational justice work, along with the ways that family and community members experience schools and organizations in their communities, including the implications of space, voice, and power in decision-making and not-for-profit organizations and schools. As an Associate Dean, Antwan works with faculty and staff to create a more just and inclusive professional culture, supporting pedagogy, scholarship, digital learning, and partnerships. In 2018, Antwan developed the Denver Journal of Education and Community (educationandcommunity.com), a community-sourced publication focused on educational equity in the Denver metro region.

Co-presenter: Rolando Garza, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Dr. Rolando R. Garza is currently serving as the Director of the Center for Academic Technology – in the division of Academic Affairs at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK). He leads a fantastic team and is honored to work with the 'Dream Team,' helping push forward innovation at Javelina Nation. He has a doctorate in education from Nova Southeastern University, and his degree concentration area is in distance education and instructional technology. Rolando’s leadership continues at the Texas A&M System; he is on the Council for Academic Technology and Innovative Education (CATIE) Executive committee as Legislative Committee Chair. Rolando is presently serving on the Executive Board of the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) as Chair of State Chapters since May 2019. Rolando has contributed to the culture of change in education, especially in digital learning throughout Texas and across the nation. He resides in Kingsville, Texas, with his beautiful wife, Dr. Araceli Garza, Academic Advisor IV for the Center for Student Success at TAMUK. They both have four beautiful children and are truly blessed every day.

Extended Abstract

The current climate surrounding institutional equity highlights the need for systemic transformation across the US higher education landscape. This session features equity and digital learning experts representing a variety of campuses and higher-ed organizations across the nation faced with equity challenges and opportunities. Panelists will discuss how the culture and context of institutions plays into institutional transformation efforts and the role of digital learning in supporting equitable outcomes for minoritized students. Join us as we discuss the most important things professional learning leaders should know about equity at institutions. We know how important identity and culture are for student retention and success. We’ll highlight lived experiences of institutional leadership and faculty implementing digital learning practices to help students feel a sense of belonging on their campuses and in various learning environments.