DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As we address some of the world’s most complex problems, the engineering profession can only benefit from the divergent thinking and approaches that result by increasing diversity. To that end, the College embraces diversity and welcomes students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds. While we aspire to even greater numbers, over the past decade, Villanova Engineering has seen steady growth in this regard.

“As a first-generation Afro-Latino student, the support system in place for underrepresented students is unmatched, from tutoring services to coaches who make sure I am well socially and mentally. Also, professors at Villanova care about their students and want to them succeed.” –Cesar Nunez, Electrical Engineering

“As an underrepresented student, I made an effort to involve myself in diversity-focused clubs and events so that I could have a community here. My group of friends is diverse in race, socio-economic background, and experiences and I am all the better for it.” –Cassia Trusty, Computer Engineering

The Diversity & Inclusion committee was founded to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within the College. The committee meets regularly and is comprised of faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students.

The committee’s mission is to:

Develop the cultural competency skills of faculty, staff and students within the College of Engineering through education, experience and training
Proactively promote discussions about the climate of inclusion for faculty, staff and students within the College of Engineering
Advise/educate College of Engineering faculty, staff and students on diversity issues
Work with the College of Engineering and the broader Villanova University community to increase diversity of faculty, students and staff

Committee Leadership

Stephen Jones, Associate Dean for Student Success, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vice Chair for Student Programming
Noelle Comolli, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Vice Chair for Faculty Programming
Trina Leonard, Vice Chair for Staff Programming
Herveline Auguste, ’22 CE, Undergraduate Student Vice Chair
Shaelynn Heffernan, ’22 MSCE, Graduate Student Vice Chair

Student Organizations

The College has several diversity-based student organizations, including:

Society for Women in Engineering
National Society for Black Engineers
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers

Additional student organizations can be found throughout the Villanova community.

Resources

In the College of Engineering, Associate Dean Dr. Stephen Jones is dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of first-generation and under-represented students. Within the University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, many additional resources exist, including: