About the Council

The Graduate College formed the Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) in spring 2020 to address issues of institutional racism, unconscious bias and racial inequalities within the Drexel community, raise awareness of these issues, implement action items, and support our Black community members. The council liaises academic and administrative units, and is aligned with the goals and efforts of the University's Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF).

Under the leadership of Dr. Tsz Kwok, Director of Academic Administration and Director of Graduate Multicultural & Equity Affairs in the Graduate College, Dr. Joseph H. Hancock, II was appointment chair of the DAC in 2024 after serving over twenty years at Drexel University with a strategic focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Inspired by the book Beyond Race and Gender: Unleashing the Power of Your Total Workforce by Managing Diversity by Roosevelt Thomas in 1992, Dr. Hancock began his mission to ensure equality and social justice for all in the workplace at his previous employers of The Gap Inc, L.Brands and Target Corporation where he served in mid-senior leadership and regional roles for over eighteen years.

Dr. Hancock's own scholarship in DEI, branding, communication and retail has made him a landmark author with his book Fashion Brand Stories now celebrating its third edition and 15 years in print. His work examines diversity amongst brands, retailers and merchandisers celebrating all psychographics and demographics that makeup consumers. Dr. Hancock has served as the LGBTQIA+ liaison for the Office of Faculty Advancement for over a decade and help with the founding of the Black Faculty & Staff Group (now BEAD). Dr. Hancock teaches across multiple colleges and has received awards from the Provost's Office, Pennoni Honors College, the Goodwin College, Steinbright Career Development Center, and the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.

Dr. Hancock is honored to assume this role as chair. He will continue the focus of the DAC as they have worked over the past four years to ensure it is operating with the goal of social justice. Over the past year we have identified our mission statement, understanding it is a living artifact that will grow as we continue to grow as a community. We also are dedicated to our role of holding the Graduate College accountable, ensuring we are prioritizing equity and justice in our words and actions. Finally, we are working on ways to support faculty in ensuring their syllabi are anti-racist and include diverse voices.

Read the Graduate College's Strategic Plan

Last updated November 2021. Requires Drexel login.

Mission Statement

The Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) aims to cultivate an inclusive, multicultural educational environment that enriches the experience of all graduate students. Specifically, the Council seeks to:

1. Elevate the Graduate Student Experience: Enhance the experiences of students from all backgrounds by addressing their unique needs and fostering a supportive community.
2. Promote an Inclusive Climate: Create a welcoming atmosphere for domestic and international students alike by collaborating with the Graduate College, Graduate and International Graduate Student Associations, and other departments to offer opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and cross-cultural exchange.
3. Strengthen Community Engagement and Belonging: Unite the Drexel community through partnerships and initiatives that enhance the sense of belonging among diverse graduate students, professional staff, and faculty, promoting a campus culture of mutual respect and shared growth.

The Graduate College’s definition of diversity includes but is not limited to the following: race, ethnicity, color, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, class, neurodivergence, religion, disability, age, military status, political ideology, visa status, income, geographic location, and language/linguistic ability.

Council Goals

Under the leadership of Dr. Tsz Kwok and Dr. Joseph H. Hancock, II the Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) will focus on:

1. Cultivating a sense of community that welcomes, engages, and embraces a broad spectrum of cultural and social identities.
2. Establishing a brave space for the Drexel community to converse with members of the Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC).
3. Planning events and programming that celebrate and engage Drexel graduate students, faculty and professional staff, as well as the greater Drexel community.

Council Members & Initiatives

View DAC membership and initiatives.

Complete a Request Form

The DAC is pleased to announce a Qualtrics form for community members who are seeking guidance or support, who wish to engage in personal and professional development in JEDI, and/or who wish to learn more about the DAC and their initiatives and recommendations. The form also invites feedback and ideas.

Complete a Request Form [Qualtrics]