Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

“Isn’t it amazing that we are all made in God’s image, and yet there is so much diversity among his people?” — Desmond Tutu

Mission Statement

Saint Peter’s University has established the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to lead the development and implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that will support the University’s mission, goals and strategic plan. The Office will promote the importance and value of a diverse and inclusive campus environment by engaging faculty, staff and students.

In 2015, the University launched Pathways to Distinction, a five-year strategic plan for Saint Peter’s, and a common theme throughout the plan is to maximize and celebrate diversity and to recruit and retain a talented and diverse faculty and student body. The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was established to help achieve the goals set forth in the plan and to improve the status of underrepresented groups at the University. The Office will collaborate with other University offices to establish and implement effective training programs on cultural competency, gender and other topics.

Given the existing rich, cultural diversity at Saint Peter’s, we seek to set the standard for an inclusive, respectful and civil community and the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will help us to accomplish that objective.

Devin A. Heyward, Ph.D.
Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Director of Gender and Sexuality Studies

Saint Peter’s University Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Programs/Services

Center for English Language Acquisition and Culture (CELAC)
To determine your linguistic needs in order to provide you with services to improve and enhance your English skills.
The Center for Undocumented Students
To support the academic work of undocumented students at the University, to shed intellectual light on the political and economic realities of immigration in our world today and to create a community where undocumented students feel welcome.
Disability Services
To providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. Accommodations and services provided are in accordance with each student’s particular disability.

Student Organizations

African Student Association
To develop unity among African students and promote social awareness for African culture among the students.
Asian American Student Union
To promote Asian American awareness and education.
Black Action Committee
To educates and celebrates Black culture and various socio-political issues that are relevant to the student population they represent.
Desi Club
To involve the University community and hold events for the benefit of the school to celebrate Desi (South-Asian) culture.
Haitian Student Association
To promote the awareness and respect of the Haitian history, culture, social issues and traditions via social and cultural programs.
La Gioventu Italiana
To teach and celebrate all aspects of Italian culture.
Latin American Service Association
To encourage commitments of service to the community and enhances Latino heritage and culture.
Muslim Student Association
To promote awareness of muslims and the Islamic culture onto the campus of Saint Peter’s University.
Protecting and Respecting Individuality, Diversity, and Equality (P.R.I.D.E.)
To promote individuality and promote unity among LGBTQ students, faculty, staff, and allies.

Annual Events

Hispanic Heritage Month
Women’s History Month
Black History Month
MLK’s Visit to Saint Peter’s

Diversity Awards & Designations

Hispanic-Serving Institution
A federal designation for schools that provide assistance to low-income, first generation Hispanic students.

2017 Examples of Excelencia Finalist
Saint Peter’s University’s Center for English Language Acquisition and Culture (CELAC) has been designated as a 2017 Examples of Excelencia Finalist for advancing the educational achievement of Latino students in higher education.

Ranked 5th in the Nation, 2015
MONEY® Magazine ranks Saint Peter’s fifth nationwide in the category of “Colleges That Add the Most Value.”

Contact the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Devin A. Heyward, Ph.D.
Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Director of Gender and Sexuality Studies
Assistant Professor of Sociology/Urban Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies
(201) 761-6156
dheyward@saintpeters.edu