UB forms Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council

UB has established an Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council comprised of members of the UB community. A diverse, primary advisory group to Teresa A. Miller, vice provost for equity and inclusion (VPEI), the council was established by Charles F. Zukoski, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

The council will serve as the primary advisory group to the VPEI on matters of equity and inclusion across UB’s three campuses.

“The Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council will support the work of Vice Provost Miller as she develops an ambitious campus strategy for equity and inclusion that enhances excellence and attracts a diverse community of top-notch students, faculty and staff to UB, and ensures that UB is a supportive, welcoming community at all levels,” Zukoski says. “The council will also assist the vice provost in communicating the campus vision for equity and inclusion to the UB community.”

Miller says she was “delighted to work with such a talented group of colleagues, with broad expertise in meeting the challenges that confront UB as it aspires to demonstrate inclusive excellence in all aspects of its operations.”

“The council will hit the ground running, especially since the SUNY Board of Trustees recently charged every campus with developing a strategic equity and inclusion plan. I will seek the council’s advice and rely on their expertise as I develop UB’s plan.”

Council members are appointed by the provost for initial two-year terms. Convened and chaired by Miller, the council will meet up to six times during the calendar year. 

Members of the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council are:

• Barbara Ricotta, associate vice president for student affairs.
• Margaret Sallee, assistant professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy.
• Margarita Dubocovich, chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
• Raechele Pope, associate professor, Department of Educational Leadership and Policy.
• Jose Aviles, associate vice provost and director of admissions.
• John DellaContrada, associate vice president for media relations and stakeholder communications, University Communications.
• Jeff Miecznikowski, associate dean for faculty affairs and diversity and associate professor, Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions.
• Andy Stott, dean of undergraduate education and director, Honors College.
• Ellen Dussourd, assistant vice provost and director, Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
• Kathy Twist, senior associate athletic director for sport administration.
• Sharon Nolan-Weiss, director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Mark Coldren, associate vice president for human resources.
• Robert Granfield, vice provost for faculty affairs.
• Connie Holoman, deputy to the president.
• Jason Young, associate professor, Department of History.
• Margaret Moss, associate professor and assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, School of Nursing.
• Sharmistha Bagchi-Sen, chair and professor, Department of Geography.
• George Cleary, UB alumnus.