Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Assistant Dean’s Welcome
It is my honor to serve as the inaugural assistant dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Florida State University College of Social Work. This college-wide initiative is the result of the vision, commitment, and hard work of former Dean Jim Clark, members of the FSU College of Social Work Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee, and supportive students, faculty, staff and alumni.
We have created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan (see below) that outlines actions, goals and strategies that will result in meaningful systemic change in becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.
We are dedicated to cultivating a respectful and safe climate that enhances the FSU College of Social Work experience for all students, faculty, staff, community partners and alumni. We are also committed to maintaining an open and active dialogue with all our constituents to better understand their needs and to ensure that we are addressing the DEI issues affecting our college. Our belief is that everyone must be treated as a full and valued member.
As assistant dean, I plan to build on the college’s current momentum concerning diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. I am looking forward to working with all students, faculty, staff, community partners, and alumni.
Keithen Mathis, MSW
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The FSU College of Social Work is committed to fostering an environment that celebrates and respects diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocates for social justice. We value all social work faculty, staff and students regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, gender expression, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, mental or physical challenges, socioeconomic status, culture, country of origin, citizenship status, marital status, political affiliation, and religion or spirituality.
We want all social work faculty, staff and students to feel safe, comfortable and welcomed by continuously acknowledging and confronting ableism, racism and sexism and other forms of exclusion within the college. Diversity, equity and inclusion issues will be a part of our social work education, practice, and research. We also promote university policies that address diversity and inclusion and equity among its entire faculty, staff, and students.
FSU Diversity & Inclusion Resources
At Florida State University, we recognize that every competitive advantage begins with people. By valuing, celebrating and leveraging the differences and similarities of our students, faculty and staff, we inspire an environment of innovation and passion—one that enables us to create a teaching, research and service environment that better reflects the needs of our students, faculty, staff, customers, constituents, communities and other key stakeholders. As detailed in the strategic plan our approach starts with a belief that diversity is about more than a particular headcount: it must reflect the quality and depths of interactions. We will remain focused on doing all that we can to ensure FSU is the university of choice for our faculty, staff and students.
- FSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Report an Incident
- Make a Suggestion to FSU
- Event Calendar
- Training & Learning Opportunities
- Get Involved: D&I Opportunities at FSU
