Saint Anselm College is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Kelly Demers as the first Faculty Fellow in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) for the 2024-2025 academic year. In this groundbreaking role, Dr. Demers will lead key initiatives within the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), playing a pivotal role in fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus community where all members feel a strong sense of belonging.
“Dr. Demers’ extensive work in DEIB-related teaching, research, and leadership makes her uniquely suited to this new role, which aims to cultivate a more inclusive campus culture,” said Dr. Sheila Liotta, vice president for academic affairs. “This faculty fellowship is part of Saint Anselm’s broader commitment to ensuring that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are integral to the College's mission and strategic priorities.”
Dr. Demers, a professor in the Education department, will collaborate closely with the Senior Inclusion Officer, Stephanie Fernandez, the Academic Dean’s office, and other campus leaders to ensure the division of Academic Affairs continues making significant strides in its DEIB efforts. Her responsibilities will include coordinating professional development for faculty and staff, supporting inclusive faculty recruitment practices, and working with academic departments to ensure equitable student success across the student body. In addition, she will oversee the College’s participation in the “Belong initiative,” a national effort by the Council of Independent Colleges to enhance campus belonging.
Dr. Demers brings a wealth of experience and a long-standing commitment to DEIB issues. She was a leader in the Curricular Strand of the Anselmian Network for Racial Justice, where she co-facilitated monthly forums on anti-racist teaching practices. Additionally, she played a key role in the development of the College’s DEI Action Plan. In the classroom, Dr. Demers teaches courses like Multicultural Perspectives on U.S. Public Schools and conducts research on pedagogical approaches that address inequities affecting students from historically marginalized groups.