Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council
NDSU Agricultural Affairs, to include NDSU Extension, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES), Research Extension Centers and the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR), is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for all employees, clientele and partners. Our core values include equal access, service to diverse audiences, equity and diversity in recruitment and employment, and fostering genuine inclusivity throughout our units. As such, we remain committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as both a mindset and in action.
The NDSU Agricultural Affairs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council was first convened in 2020, with the mission of promoting a system that values differences in meaningful way to enhance our land grant mission of teaching, research and extension.
DEI and Civil Rights
- Institutional equity and compliance; NDSU policy manual; posters; recruitment and hiring; and documents and forms.
Diversity is what you have. Inclusion is what you do.
Key Definitions
- DIVERSITY – appreciating the differences between people and treating people's values, beliefs, cultures and lifestyles with respect.
- EQUITY– ensuring everyone in a setting has equal opportunities, regardless of their abilities, their background or their lifestyle.
- INCLUSION – a sense of belonging. The deliberate act of welcoming diversity and creating an environment where all different kinds of people can thrive and succeed. It includes the organizational efforts and practices in which different backgrounds are accepted, welcomed, and equally treated.
Role of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
- Supporting healthy, thriving and culturally-diverse communities through our educational programs and opportunities
- Improving the diversity profile of our employees at all levels and across the state.
- Nurturing the understanding and skill development of employees and volunteers in areas of equity, inclusion and diversity.
Goals of the Council
- A diverse workforce within NDSU Agricultural Affairs
- Multiple, regular educational programs and resources on diversity, equity and inclusion are readily available and accessed by all staff
- Stronger relationships with our 1994 North Dakota land-grant institutions and Tribal partners
- All resources developed and utilized by NDSU Agricultural Affairs are viewed through a cultural lens before distribution
Current Council Members
Members of this council are from all divisions within Agricultural Affairs to include NDSU Extension, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES), Research Extension Centers and the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR).
| Name | Title and Department/Unit/Term End | |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Arnold | Extension Parent Educator, Ward County (Region 2) (2023) | |
| Elizabeth Cronin | Director, Agriculture Communication | |
| Jim Gray | West District Director, NDSU Extension (2022) | |
| Emily How | Extension Agent, ANR**, Ward County | |
| Mohamed Khan | Assistant Director, ANR, Extension Administration | |
| Febina Mathew | Associate Professor, Plant Pathology | |
| Megan Myrdal | Director of Development, CAFSNR, NDSU Foundation (2025) | |
| Sue Quamme Wehlander | 4-H Youth Development Specialist, NDSU Extension (2nd term, 2025) | |
| David Ripplinger | Assistant Professor, Extension Agribusiness and Applied Economics (2025) | |
| Guillermo Scaglia | Professor and Department Head, Animal Sciences | |
| Madeleine Smith | Extension Pesticide Specialist (2023) | |
| Jill Sokness | Extension Agent, FCW**, Cass County | |
| Jan Stankiewicz | Community Health and Nutrition Specialist, NDSU Extension (2nd term, 2025) | |
| Shannon Ueker | Administrative Secretary, Department of Plant Sciences (2nd term, 2025) |
* FCW - Family and Community Wellness agent
** ANR - Agriculture and Natural Resources agent
*** EFNEP/FNP - Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program / Family Nutrition Program
Council Meetings
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council meets virtually, every-other-month to learn together, provide committee and organizational updates, and determine ways to promote diversity, equity and inclusion education for the entire organization. Four standing committees assist in the work of the council and include 1) education, 2) tribal connections/1994 relationships, 3) inclusive publications, and 4) civil discourse. Additional committees are possible and will be developed by the council based on needs of the organization.
