Diversity, Equity & Inclusion News

The College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS) at Drexel University has a proud history of initiatives that seek to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to addressing and alleviating systemic bias within all institutions, and we invite you to join us in these efforts.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Olympic Legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee Shares Wisdom With BRIDGE Students

Nov 01, 2023

During her visit to Drexel, Joyner-Kersee spoke with students from the BRIDGE programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, LeBow College of Business and Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.

Finding Latin American Inspirations in the Library and Archives

Oct 12, 2023

As the oldest natural history museum in North America, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has a long and varied history. And even with the many well-known figures, works and stories found in its phenomenal Library and Archives, there are more that need to be researched, uncovered and revealed to help shape a brighter, more equitable future.

Science Meets Social Justice: Physics Major Dmitri LaBelle is Working Toward Equity

Jul 25, 2023

At Drexel, LaBelle has strived to excel academically in physics while contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the field and even encouraging the next generation of scientists. They hope that more Drexel students will get involved in making their community a better place.

English Language Center Continues to Serve New Generations of Cultural Ambassadors Through Fulbright Programming

Jun 27, 2023

The English Language Center (ELC) was recently awarded a five-year renewal of its Fulbright Pre-Academic program grant. This has been the ELC’s signature summer special program since 2009.

Meet New Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD

Jun 14, 2023

Assistant Teaching Professor of Global Studies and Modern Languages Steve Vásquez Dolph, PhD, was recently appointed to the role of Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the College of Arts and Sciences. Learn more about him in this Q&A.

CoAS BRIDGE Program Builds Community Among Students of Color

Jun 06, 2023

Students of color have higher rates of success when they have a community of peers. The College of Arts and Sciences’ BRIDGE program seeks to foster a sense of community for students of color and ease the transition into college life. Throughout the year, students participate in workshops and study groups, attend social events, work with peer mentors and more.

Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate Receives Inaugural Internship Scholarship

Mar 16, 2023

Lashae Williams, a PhD candidate in clinical psychology, received an inaugural Internship Scholarship from the Society for Black Neuropsychology. She is one of two trainees to receive this award, which eases the financial burden of the internship application process.

Students discussing African small businesses in West Philly

'West Africa to West Philly' Course Connects Language With Community

Feb 28, 2023

A French course has brought together students and West Philadelphia's native French-speaking West African community, both in and out of the classroom. Students came from different majors and countries to speak and write in French with native speakers and consume Francophone West African works of literature and film in this community-based class.

Meet Jojo Elhassan, Recipient of MFA Scholarship for Marginalized Writers

Feb 20, 2023

Nigerian writer Altine “Jojo” Elhassan, creative writing ’24, is the inaugural recipient of a full tuition scholarship from the MFA Gift Fund for Marginalized Writers. The scholarship aims to support diverse literary voices by funding writers whose personal experiences of marginalization—including but not limited to race, class or disability—inform their work.

Alexandra J. King Pile smiles during a video. An American flag sits behind her.

Catching up with Alexandra J. King Pile, BA International Studies ’07

Feb 15, 2023

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Alexandra J. King Pile, BA international studies '07, who is currently working as a diplomat for the United States Department of State. Read on to learn about the challenges and opportunities of her role, and how her time at Drexel prepared her for this path.

2023 Sociology Film Series explores medical sociology

2023 Sociology Film Series Highlights Disability Stories

Jan 20, 2023

For the first time since the pandemic, the Department of Sociology will present its annual Sociology Film Series in person this winter. The series, featuring three films focused on medical sociology, underscores key concepts being taught in the classroom and provides a platform for people living with disabilities to share their stories.

Finding Opportunity as an Indigenous Student

Nov 16, 2022

Sky Harper, a third-year chemistry major, shares his experience finding community and opportunity at Drexel in this guest blog.

Finding Empowerment as a First-Generation Student

Nov 10, 2022

Guest blogger Kaylee Wilson, a third-year sociology and global public health double major, shares her experience as a first-generation college student at Drexel.

a screenshot of a zoom session where participants are going over a sample lesson plan

Drexel English Language Center Helps to Prepare the Next Generation of Fulbrighters

Oct 06, 2022

This past summer, the ELC expanded its IIE Fulbright offerings to include an English Teaching Assistants (ETA) program. The program, funded by a State Department grant, was geared toward preparing Fulbright scholars for their upcoming teaching roles across the globe.

Riya Shah, Weixiang Yu and Justin Gambrell are doctoral students in Drexel University's Physics program

Students Find Their Research Niche in Physics PhD Program

Aug 30, 2022

With five different specialties—astrophysics, biophysics, particle physics, condensed matter and physics education research—Drexel’s physics PhD program gives students the flexibility to pursue unique, individualized research based on their own personal interests and career goals. We spoke to three of these doctoral students about the research they are doing and what motivates them. While their areas of expertise differ, they share one thing in common: the impact they hope to make in the field of physics—and in the world.