The School of Education Diversity Committee: Creating an authentically welcoming culture for diverse faculty and students.

Joyce Bhang: I have been with the School of Education at Seattle Pacific University since 2003 as the Graduate Programs Assistant. I did some graduate work in Audiology at the University of Washington where I also received my B.S. I am married to a very brave man who presently is a Captain with the Seattle Fire Department at the Alarm Center (9-1-1). My two teens are a blessing, and many of my interests center around their involvement in music, volleyball, and missions. Hazel is my old Jack Russell terrier with an affinity for rocks.

I attend the Japanese Presbyterian Church in the Central District and have served as a Sunday School teacher, youth helper, and participant in the homeless feeding program. I enjoy attending an occasional ballet, and more frequently, baseball games, walks on the beach, and hearing from our friends who are on missions.

I believe God is in the reconciliation business. This is the heart of what I see in each person on this committee… I am drawn to them and I like them! This is not a smarmy group of patronizing elitists. Look at our chair, Sharon Hartnett, and you'll see a roll-up-your-sleeves-and-do-something kind of woman. Things happen here and I want to be a part of God's business.

Christie Eppler: I am excited to be a part of the diversity committee. I believe that multiculturalism, inclusion, and diversity begin with self-awareness and dialogue. My goal includes increasing my own awareness regarding self, privilege, culture, and knowledge of self and others. I seek to understand in order that I may assist SPU and the School of Education actualize a healthy, multicultural perspective.

Here is a little of my story: I am an Assistant Professor of School Counseling and Psychology, a Clinical Member and an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), a member of American Counseling Association (ACA), and a member of the National School Counseling Association (NSCA). My research interests include assessing and building strength, resilience and collaborations in schools and families. I teach a range of courses, including internship, the theory and practice in school counseling sequence, and career counseling. I have co-authored several articles that focus on creating and implementing innovative techniques in child and family therapy. My clinical interests includes filial and play therapy, using the strength-based approach with individuals and families, and empowering clients to find their voice. I value the diversity of clients and I use my experiences from living and studying around the world to honor diverse cultural contexts. I currently practice one afternoon a week at SPU's Student Counseling Center. For more information, please visit: http://myhome.spu.edu/eppler

Nyaradzo Mvududu is an assistant professor of curriculum and instruction. She teaches statistics and research courses as well as multicultural education. Growing up in a Christian home in Zimbabwe , she has continued her journey of faith in this country and is an active member of the University Temple United Methodist Church. Living is a different culture from the one in which she was raised piqued her interest in issues of diversity. Dr. Mvududu holds as paramount the dignity of all people. She is committed to fostering an atmosphere in which understanding and acceptance of differences are ensured.

Sharon Hartnett: I am Chair of the School of Education Diversity Committee. Teaching is my calling, and I am in my 27th year. I believe all persons were made in the image of God, so for me, quality education means representation from all groups. Serving on this committee makes it possible for me to be intentional about helping to level the playing field. Thank you for considering studying with us at Seattle Pacific University.

Cher Edwards: I am honored to serve on the diversity committee for the School of Education (SOE) at Seattle Pacific University. I have been active at the state level in Ohio focusing on promoting awareness and encouraging attention to multicultural and social justice issues through my tenure as president of the Ohio Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development and the Southeast Ohio Counseling Association, as well as through my work as vice president of Chi Sigma Iota and president elect of the Ohio Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. I am currently an Assistant Professor of School Counseling and School Psychology at Seattle Pacific University.

In addition to my work with the university, I am currently serving on the ACES/NCDA Commission on Recruitment of Under-Represented Groups. As counselors and counselor educators, we are in a position to be agents of change for society and advocates for individuals whose voices historically have not been heard. I hope to serve SPU and the SOE to continue to promote awareness of multicultural and social justice issues in an effort to eliminate hate and ignorance that perpetuates oppression and discrimination.

Bill Rowley is the dean of the School of Education and an associate professor of school counseling and psychology at Seattle Pacific University. Prior to coming to SPU in 1996, Dr. Rowley was a family therapist in private practice for sixteen years in San Diego. He began his education career as a teacher prior to serving as a school counselor at the secondary level and as a coordinator of guidance and counseling for the San Diego County Office of Education. He has been a frequent seminar presenter on topics related to healthy relationships, adolescent development and grief recovery.

His interest in diversity stems from the contribution of two individuals of color who significantly contributed to his professional development. For example, an African American woman served as his master teacher when he was a student teacher during his undergraduate college days, and his counseling practicum supervisor who also served on his doctoral dissertation committee was an African American male. Dr. Rowley is deeply committed to creating an environment that welcomes faculty, staff, and students of color to programs in the School of Education. His current interests relate to the delivery of comprehensive guidance, collaboration among school professionals, and adolescent development.

Joe Snell: Assistant Director of Student Programs for Intercultural Affairs. Educational Background: Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Master of Arts in Management. Master of Divinity in Practical Theology. At SPU since: August, 2001.

My primary role is to develop and implement outreach programs and services for ethnic minority students. I also serve as campus advocate for ethnic students, faculty and staff. My secondary role is to promote diversity awareness programming for the SPU student community. Also, I collaborate on recruitment and retention efforts with students of color.