Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office

VISION STATEMENT

To overcome barriers as the model community that accepts, respects, and encourages the value, dignity, belonging, and capabilities of all individuals.

MISSION STATEMENT

To champion a community of diversity, equity & inclusion, and belonging in a spirit of civility.

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is committed to providing leadership, guidance, and resources supporting the institution’s commitment to develop, implement, measure, and transform our culture to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.

The DEI office will partner with forward-facing departments to support programs to empower students to become advocates for DEI to help build community acceptance for all now and in the future.

As a transformative global institution, the office will provide measurable outcomes of success in programs, activities, training, and education related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to inspire community excellence.

VALUES

CARES graphic with listening and talking icons

CIVILITY

We promote civility in the community as well as empathy and acceptance for all.

ADVOCACY

We advocate for fair and equitable practices and policies that promote and nurture understanding and acceptance.

RESPECT

We respect all individuals’ value of dignity as a foundation for promoting caring, equity, and self-esteem in every community member.

EMPOWERMENT

We empower the underrepresented in the community to be heard and accepted.

SAFETY

We strive to create a safe, inclusive community for all without fear of retaliation or retribution.

Meet the Team

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith

President and CEO

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, has dedicated more than 25 years to higher

Marsha N. Lindsay

Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

As PTC’s Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Ms. Lindsay is accountable

Shane McGarvey

DEI co-chair & Associate Director of Resident Life

Shane has been a dedicated student advocate who has served at PTC

Michael Russell

Faculty – School of Information Systems & Technology, DEI Taskforce Co-Chair

Ordained minister and pastor, educator, lecturer, community advocate, consultant, and Air Force

Crystal Santiful

Admissions – Outreach/Success Advisor

As PTC’s Outreach Success Advisor, Crystal is focused on the underserved communities

Dr. Stephanie Svilar

Dean of Counseling and Student Development

Dr. Svilar is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Professional Counselor. She

Nancy Feather

Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Research/Registrar

As PTC’s Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Research/Registrar, Nancy Feather constantly

Jaclyn Smith

Resident Coordinator

I am a passionate person who believes in a genuine approach to

Awareness Calendar 2023

March is…

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Women’s History Month: Established in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Established to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month: It was established to raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

National Irish American Heritage Month celebrates the Irish American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States.

March 8: International Women’s Day. First observed in 1911 in Germany, it has now become a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political, and social achievements.

March 9: Asian-American Women’s and Pacific Islander Women’s Equal Pay Day. The aim is to raise awareness about the pay gap between Asian-American and Pacific Islander women and White men. Asian-American women are paid 90 cents for every dollar paid to White men.

March 13 – April 15: Deaf History Month. This observance celebrates key events in deaf history, including the founding of Gallaudet University and the American School for the Deaf.

March 17:St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday started in Ireland to recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought Christianity to the country in the early days of the faith.

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in the wake of the 1960 killing of 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in South Africa. The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

March 22 – April 21: (sundown to sundown) Ramadan, an Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer, and devotion to Islam.

March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observation that offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. First observed in 2008, the international celebration also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice. 

March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities as well as recognize those who helped fight for rights for transgender people.

Health-related awareness: