Â鶹ŮÀÉ names Dr. Sara Lam as vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
“I am thrilled to have Dr. Lam join our executive leadership team,” said Dr. Jeff Rafn, Â鶹ŮÀÉ president. “Continuing to make Â鶹ŮÀÉ a more inclusive place for our students and community is a crucial component of our institution's growth. Dr. Lam's experience in building communities and creating belonging will be key towards our mission of student equity and success.”
In her executive leadership role, Dr. Lam will sustain efforts to close equity gaps, bring more students of color into high-wage careers, and recruit more diverse talent to faculty and staff within Â鶹ŮÀÉ.
“I believe that educational equity requires change at all levels; from the individual to the institution,” said Dr. Lam. “I am looking forward to collaborating closely with students, faculty, and leadership at Â鶹ŮÀÉ in continuing to build a culturally sustaining educational environment where all students feel they belong, achieve success, and are empowered to take action for positive change. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to guide this essential work.”
Prior to joining Â鶹ŮÀÉ, Dr. Lam has been an instrumental part in the DEI efforts of University of Minnesota Morris and its community, where she held various roles within teaching, research, and service since 2015. She is a co-founder of the Rural China Education Foundation, a published author, and holds national accolades for her work around educational equality.
Dr. Lam has earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from Harvard University, and a B.A. of Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota Morris.
