Campus • Culture • Community • Connection
After an extremely challenging year, the Office for Diversity & Inclusion is excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2021, ushering in the year of the Ox on February 12th.Warm Regards,
Shari
Dr. Shari Clarke, Vice President for Diversity & Senior Diversity Officer
Dr. Shari Clarke, a native of Toledo, Ohio, is a nationally recognized award-winning diversity educator with over 25 years of expertise. She currently serves as the Inaugural Vice President for Diversity & Senior Diversity Officer at Eastern Washington University.
Dr. Clarke states she is committed to providing voice and visibility to individuals and groups who have historically been overlooked and not included at the table. An avid writer, she has written multiple think pieces and articles including how Twilight Teaches Cultural Diversity based on the popular Twilight vampire series. In addition, Clarke has authored successful diversity strategic plans for multiple higher education institutions, the City of Spokane and State of Ohio Rehabilitation & Corrections Office.
Dr. Clarke is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Spokane, the GSI Education & Talent Committee, and formerly served on the City of Spokane Mayor’s Advisory Council. She is also the recipient of an honorary commandership based on leadership from Fairchild Airforce Base.
Dr. Clarke holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska, an MA in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and a BA in Sociology from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Dr. Clarke is a passionate and highly sought orator on issues of Diversity Equity & Inclusion.
Dr. Clarke and her husband are the parents of two sons: Austin, a graduate of Marshall University, and Iain, who attends Northern Illinois University. She is Bonus Mom to Gina & John. Dr. Clarke describes herself as an avid Jazzerciser, and a Power Shopper! Clarke is a lover of all things Hamilton (the musical), Barbara Streisand, and a former Hoop Mom!
Black History, or African American History, Month celebrations will look very different this month compared to those in the past. We will not meet for an engaging lecture on a multitude of topics, dine out with friends over soul food and discuss the origins of these delectable food offerings or hear a stirring rendition of Gospel music or the Negro National Anthem. However, to recognize the incredible sacrifices, storied traditions, vast history, and significant contributions of African Americans, please take the month of February and engage with Black History.
In a world of COVID-19, I want to encourage you to spend time researching and reading a vast array of articles, websites, pictorials, and other educationally informative resources. Need direction or a suggestion? Please feel free to contact the Africana Studies Faculty at (509) 359-2205 or africanastudies@ewu.edu.
In addition, each week throughout the month of February the Office for Diversity & Inclusion will post a Black History Month fact, linked HERE.
Remember Black History is American History-Enjoy & Celebrate!
Dr. Clarke
