Committed to increasing inclusive excellence, promoting equity, and cultivating a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff at Augusta University
Working hand-in-hand with university administrative units, academic departments and senior leadership, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) strategically builds, aligns and coordinates diversity, equity and inclusion efforts throughout the university to advance the organizational goals outlined in Beyond Boundaries and to enhance Augusta University’s business operations.
In order to remain a destination of choice in today’s quickly evolving society, Augusta University understands that it must attract and develop talent from a broad array of backgrounds and experiences. Therefore, ODI works to foster an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion equitable access to opportunity. We also promote cultural humility/responsiveness in which all backgrounds and cultures are valued. In addition, we emphasize respect, trust and empowerment, achieved through transparency, open communication, and the development of collaborative working relationships that extend beyond the campus to the surrounding communities that Augusta University serves.
Current Points of Interest
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Health Sciences Campus
AA-172
706-721-9265
706-446-0276
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work is a lifelong process. Doing this work is an investment in yourself and in your community.
Dr. Angie Spencer joined Augusta University in the Department of Chemistry and Physics in 2012. Since that time, Dr. Spencer has engaged with diverse groups of students in general chemistry and biochemistry courses, with a strong focus on student success and preparation for post-graduation paths. In 2019, Dr. Spencer and a team of faculty from the College of Science and Mathematics were awarded a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant entitled "Promoting Opportunities and Pathways for Undergraduate Persistence in STEM (POPUPS)". The POPUPS program offers scholarships to qualified students majoring in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Mathematics, or Physics, with a focus on groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Qualified students must have demonstrated academic excellence and met financial eligibility requirements. The program seeks to improve graduation rates in STEM by assisting students in overcoming obstacles not directly tied to their capabilities. The POPUPS program accomplishes this through mechanisms including scholarships, POPUPS workshops, extracurricular events aimed at developing skills and knowledge, and a mentoring program. POPUPS workshops are designed to improve student interest in and awareness of STEM careers. The primary goal of the POPUPS mentoring program is to create a sense of belonging to improve students’ self-efficacy and persistence in STEM. Our mentoring framework of support is designed to alleviate stress that may be caused by feelings of isolation, perception of bias, fear of failure, or other such negative emotion that is commonly seen especially in underrepresented groups.
Discover our diversity offices and more.
Learn more about our grant opportunities.
Enjoy our commemorative event with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History.
Access our NEW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion courses.
Help us with our commitment to inclusivity. Join BFSA today!
Enlighten, listen, read and grow. Remember we're all in this together
Learn about upcoming events and what’s happening with diversity, equity and inclusion around campus.
“I thought it would be an important opportunity to engage with people who are also trying to change the educational conditions in historically marginalized communities," David Stovall, PhD, said of his visit as part of Augusta University's FIEI Visiting Scholars Program.
“We want to not only build relationships with our local communities, but maintain them. We also want to educate and empower people and say if you do participate in a research study, these are your rights," said Angela Toole, interim director of the IRB Office.
October is LGBT History Month in the United States, and one of the month’s most prominent recognitions is National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
“We want our students, faculty and members of the surrounding community to have opportunities to work and learn from individuals from various backgrounds," said Dr. Michelle Johnson, coordinator of the Visiting Scholars Program.
