Following an extensive search, Erin Doggette, PhD, has been named Stetson’s new director of Diversity and Inclusion. Doggette will begin her role on campus March 28.

Prior to Stetson, Doggette was an instructional specialist at the University of Central Florida’s Karen L. Smith Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning. Earlier, she was an instructor for the Peace and Justice Institute at Valencia College and served as a visiting and adjunct professor at several colleges and universities. 

“Dr. Doggette’s experience working directly with students, administrative experience with building partnerships, and her creativity in leveraging data and peer education to boost retention among underrepresented groups will be invaluable at Stetson,” said Larry R. Correll-Hughes, PhD, Stetson’s associate vice president for Campus Life.

Known as someone who cares deeply for students, Doggette has designed and led numerous diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in higher education. She has spearheaded programs and events aimed at fostering intercultural exchange, amplifying marginalized voices, cultivating critical dialogue, and helping students from diverse backgrounds feel a sense of belonging.

Wexena Spencer, a senior and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion committee for the Student Government Association, served as a student representative on the search committee. “I think that Dr. Doggette will be another beautiful aspect to Stetson for where and what we are hoping to be in the world,” Spencer said. “I am extremely excited to have her as our director of ODI and be part of the Hatter Family!”

Sense of Belonging

Doggette comes to Stetson with a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and a focus on Leadership from Andrews University, in which her dissertation research was on improving campus climate as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. She also has an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from La Sierra University, and obtained both a Master of Arts in English Language Arts & Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“As Stetson’s new director of Diversity and Inclusion, I am excited to partner with Stetson’s talented and diverse students to cultivate an inclusive and supportive campus environment where diverse perspectives and identities are welcomed and celebrated,” Doggette said. “My goal is for every Stetson student to have a sense of belonging, feel valued and feel empowered to achieve their full potential.”

‘Prioritizing a Relationship-Rich Environment’

According to Carmen Johnson, Esq., Stetson’s executive officer for Diversity, Collaboration and Inclusion, Doggette is the right person at the right time to realize the potential of the new Cross Cultural Center — to be there to support students to collaborate with colleagues across the campus. That includes the new Brown Faculty Fellows for Inclusive Pedagogy, colleagues in Human Resources, the Bias Education and Support Team (BEST), and the executive officer for Institutional Inclusive Excellence to positively affect Stetson’s campus climate. 

“Stetson University is continuing the momentum of prioritizing a relationship-rich environment where we recognize that the diversity of experiences throughout our university community is among our greatest assets,” Johnson said. “The Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Cross Cultural Center are within the core of these efforts on our DeLand campus, and Dr. Doggette’s wealth of expertise, research and leadership in promoting student belonging and development will add an essential boost to our collaborative efforts.”

Editor’s note: To view the ongoing commitment of the university to diversity, equity and inclusion, visit this website.