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Carrie Murawski started a little over two months ago in her role as the inaugural DEIA director of learning and development for the . Already immersed in expanding learning experiences on campus to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), Murawski was drawn to the University because of the importance it places on DEIA and the community of people dedicated to the work.

“It was obvious that there is a true commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility practices at the University, and I wanted to be part of an institution that values that sort of investment into their community,” Murawski says. “I see DEIA as a lifelong commitment of learning and relearning and I knew that ������ shares that principle.”

Murawski, who began in her role July 16, came to Syracuse from Roanoke College, where she was assistant professor of communication studies, faculty affiliate for the Center for Studying Race and co-coordinator of the Gender and Women’s Studies Program.

In her role with ODI, Murawski provides leadership, collaborative decision-making and oversight of short and long-term professional development opportunities through the office. She is also coordinating the biennial DEIA Symposium and follow-up activities, a new micro-credential program and a new train-the-trainers program. She also provides direction on the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s CORE Four curriculum, learning materials/resources, and discussions and workshops. All of this work is essential to achieving the critical priorities and goals outlined in the and .

“We are so pleased to have Carrie join us in our work to make the University a place welcoming for all. In this inaugural position, she will help guide and shape DEIA learning and development into a new era,” says Tanya Williamson, assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion. “With her strategic experience and background, Carrie will help pave the way for the development of DEIA professional programs and sustained learning experiences for students, staff and faculty.”

In the following Q&A, Murawski shares more about the work she will be doing and offers a peek at what to expect for next year’s DEIA Symposium.

Why were you interested in this role at Syracuse?

I applied for the director of DEIA learning and development role because I was, and still am, excited about the opportunity to lead inclusive initiatives and programs at ������! I see this institution as leading the way for inclusivity in higher education.

What do you see looking forward regarding DEIA professional development for University community members?

I’m looking forward to creating more long-term professional development infrastructure for the University with an office that prioritizes sustainable change to make the campus more inclusive and accessible for everyone. I’m enthusiastic about building on the , which lays a DEIA foundation for our University community. I’m also eager to think about how to create more professional development opportunities for staff and faculty members whose work is already rooted in DEIA.

What are your plans regarding microcredentialing and how University community members can really immerse themselves in DEIA personal development and greater understanding?

The office’s microcredentialing program is one of my big undertakings this academic year! We’re thinking about not just what it means to be inclusive, but how our DEIA microcredentialing program is uniquely Orange. Our office wants to offer microcredentialing that is free, accessible and self-paced. With a blend of theory and practical application, we want our program to focus on how we can enhance our own community, and University community members will have a way to demonstrate their long-term commitment to DEIA. I’m excited to work with the to make this happen.

Can you give any hints about what to expect for the 2025 symposium? What can prospective presenters start to think about?

The 2025 DEIA Symposium is, in fact, happening, and we are preparing for it to be even bigger than the inaugural event. We’re planning for fall of 2025 and we are excited to have faculty, staff and students from across campus present. The University community can expect diverse topics and a wide range of presentation formats, including keynote speakers, poster presentations, discussion panels and more. We are especially delighted about the focus on accessibility. We are going to offer more ways to participate, virtual and in person, to include as many people as possible.

What have you enjoyed so far about the University and the local community?

I’ve enjoyed meeting my colleagues across campus! It’s refreshing to meet so many folks who are just as passionate and committed to DEIA as I am. Campus is beautiful, and I like to walk around during my lunch break. I’ve started to explore the local eateries on Marshall Street and I’m mapping out my calendar for all the wonderful programming that will take place this fall semester. I’m still waiting on my selfie with Otto, but I’m sure that day is just around the corner.