CSCC Focuses on Efforts for Equity and Inclusion

Joejuana Morton, Multicultural Coordinator; Carolina Roman, Multicultural Coordinator

CSCC Focuses on Efforts for Equity and Inclusion

Napierra Alexander
Wednesday, July 7, 2021 12:00 AM
Students, Press Releases, Employees, TBR, All, Community

Cleveland State Community College strives to be an institution that builds careers and communities for our surrounding counties, but it’s also a focus to implement a diverse and inclusive environment so that every student can thrive. In the college’s 2025 vision, strategic goals were put in place to support underrepresented students, specifically, African-American, Hispanic, and low-income students. To help reach these goals CSCC has appointed two multicultural coordinators. 

“Cleveland State is committed to creating an educational community that represents equity and inclusion for all students,” stated Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC President. “We are also focused on eliminating success gaps for African-American, Hispanic and low-income students.  To achieve these goals, we need more individuals who can provide hands-on wrap-around support services for underrepresented students to help them achieve their potential.”

Joejuana Morton and Carolina Roman were selected to take over these multicultural coordinator roles which will start July 1. These positions will develop, implement, and monitor programs, initiatives, and events targeted toward underrepresented students.  As part of the CSCC Equity Plan and Strategic Enrollment Plan, the coordinators will focus on retention and multicultural programs that support student success. Coordinators will have the opportunity to work directly with students to track their progress and goals for graduation. With these positions, the college hopes to bring more resources and opportunities for minorities and at-risk students. 

The mission for equity and inclusion for Cleveland State is to intentionally cultivate an inclusive environment within which all students and employees receive support and encouragement to reach their individual goals.

“These positions help develop and provide programs and services that will support and enhance the academic, social, emotional, and overall success of underrepresented communities at Cleveland State.” Willie Thomas, assistant to the president for equity and inclusion, stated.

Before being appointed as a multicultural coordinator, Morton has worked at CSCC since 2013 as a grant administrator. Now, this role will give her more opportunities to interact and directly help students. 

“This is a great opportunity to connect with students and provide intentional, creative and sustaining methods, to increase retention and support for our most at-risk students, “ stated Joejuana Morton, Multicultural Coordinator. “I look forward to developing new ways to engage students and help them create a pathway to the successful future they desire.”

Roman has been a part of the CSCC staff for several years. Before being appointed to the position she has worked as a tutor, student support specialist for hispanic-latino students, and executive assistant to the president. 

“This new role will allow me to work face-to-face again with Latinx students to help them achieve their goals,” stated Carolina Roman, Multicultural Coordinator. “I am very grateful to Dr. Seymour for allowing me to work with him as his Executive Assistant for the last 17 months. I can say that I have learned a lot working beside such a great leader and I hope I can apply everything I have learned plus my previous experience helping our students to be successful.”

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