IDEA Advisory Council Works Toward Equality 

The group, which consists of faculty, staff, alumni and friends, has researched and identified external resources, and formed sub-committees to take the lead on addressing inequities and reviewing institutional policies related to race, LGBTQ+ and disability issues, among other issues. 

In coming weeks, the Council will also commission a ‘Climate Study’ to more empirically determine where we are as a community on meeting the needs of and providing opportunities for all our students.

“We recognize that this is just the beginning of a long road, and that we will have to be flexible as other issues arise,” said Anderson. “I’m proud to serve with such a dedicated group to start this journey and move with the urgency that these issues and this time demand.”

Council members include:

• Dr. Jason Anderson [He, Him, His] - Chair
• Jennifer Mangum [She, Her, Hers] - Vice Chair
• Dr. Emily Brumfield ('03) [She, Her, Hers]
• Joseph E. "Jed" Cain [He, Him, His]
• Sheila Kidd [She, Her, Hers]
• Ashley R. Martin ('06) [She, Her, Hers]
• Dr. Cashman Kerr Prince ('88) [He, Him, His] - ex officio 
• Alex C. Robertson ('14) [He, Him, His]
• Sue Rosenthal ('85) [She, Her, Hers]
• Jenny Schmitt [She, Her, Hers]
• Scott Theriot [He, Him, His]
• Maria Town ('05) [She, Her, Hers]
• Sebastian Weinell ('14) [He, Him, His]

To support the Council's initiatives, the Foundation Board allocated $50,000 to create the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Fund. Donors responded with gifts exceeding $42,000 in the first two months alone.

Click here to see the Council’s full Statement of Position and Purpose. With questions about IDEA and its initiatives, please reach out to idea@lsmsa.edu.