Diversity and Multiculturalism Division Staff

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Whitney Harris
Executive Director for Diversity and Multiculturalism
Phone: 651-296-5313
E-mail: whitney.harris@so.mnscu.edu

Senior administrator for the Diversity and Multiculturalism Division reporting directly to the Chancellor. Provides leadership to develop and implement policies and ensures compliance with federal, state and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees policies and regulations relating to issues of equity and social justice.

Designs and delivers seminars and presentations related to diversity and cultural competency for the colleges and universities and community organizations. Builds relationships with community and business leaders as well as under-represented and underserved populations and communities.

Charles Black Lance
American Indian Project Coordinator
Phone: 218-855-8119
Office: 651-201-1545
E-mail: Charles.Blacklance@so.mnscu.edu

Coordinates Minnesota State Colleges and Universities’ American Indian Work Plan. His responsibilities include researching, training and organizing special events as it relates to the American Indian Work Plan.

Renée Hogoboom
Equal Opportunity Manager & Investigator
Phone: 651-201-1592
E-mail: renee.hogoboom@so.mnscu.edu

Conducts investigations under Board of Trustees Policy 1B.1 Nondiscrimination in education and employment opportunity. Designs, develops and provides training to all investigators and decision makers on equal opportunity and diversity policies and procedures. Team leader for the Office of Civil Rights reviews. Develops affirmative action plans for the Office of the Chancellor. Monitors and leads the effort to resolve protected class complaints from all system institutions.

Víctor Ramírez
Student Intern
Phone: 651-201-1596
E-mail: victor.ramirez@so.mnscu.edu

A student intern with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities at the Office of the Chancellor. Victor is a graduate student from Ridgewater College in Hutchison where he obtained an Associate in Marketing and Sales Management and an Associate of Arts degree. Currently he is a student at Southwest Minnesota State University and is working towards his bachelors degree in Speech Communication. Victor was the Student At-Large for the Minnesota State Colleges Student Association (MSCSA) where he advocated and worked with underrepresented students across the state. Because of his work dedication and excellence Victor was named MSCSA Governing Council of the Year during 2006–2007. His goal is to help all students, particularly underrepresented students, overcome the challenges that arise as they search for higher education opportunities.

Raúl Ramos
Community Outreach & Recruitment Specialist
Phone: 651-201-1593
E-mail: raul.ramos@so.mnscu.edu

Provides assistance to the colleges and universities in the recruitment and retention of all students with special emphasis on underrepresented. Works on establishing relationships with the underrepresented populations to increase the opportunities for collaborations and partnerships. Works with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system’s Public Affairs division to market the system to targeted populations, both locally and nationally. Assists in planning and facilitating diversity, anti racism and anti-discrimination training on campuses and in the Office of the Chancellor. Provides information about higher education to underrepresented populations at Minnesota high schools and preparatory programs. Participates in the work of community based organizations from the underrepresented populations. Represents the Office of the Chancellor at underrepresented community events.

Gale Rohde
Executive Assistant Diversity and Multiculturalism
Phone: 651-296-3907
E-mail: gale.rohde@so.mnscu.edu

Provide office support for Dr. Whitney Harris, as well as, the Diversity and Multiculturalism division.

Ka Vang
Diversity Programs Director
Phone: 651-201-1599
E-mail: ka.vang@so.mnscu.edu

Supports the implementation of the Office of the Chancellor’s work plan projects and initiatives.
Conducts research, develops curriculum materials and facilitates workshops concerning diversity, equity, social justice and conflict management. Serves as a resource for internal and external consultants and speakers. Provides information and best practices in the area of recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and administrators from underserved, under-represented and protected class groups. Supports campus retention and recruitment plans by analyzing content and providing feedback.