Elmira College Welcomes New Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

by Tristen Abbott '23

Elmira, NY (03/01/2022) — Elmira College recently welcomed a new Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion / Title IX Coordinator, Larry Parker II. Parker, who officially began his new role at EC on Feb. 14, received a master's in Addiction Counseling from Grand Canyon University and is currently a doctorate candidate for Strategic Leadership at Liberty University.

Parker is excited to bring his talents to EC and will work closely with the Campus Life Office to widen the scope of the College's DEI programming. He is particularly keen to interact with students and hopes they will "be willing to let go of who (they) were, to embrace who (they) will be."

"I'm very excited to welcome Larry to our Campus Life staff," said Dr. Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life and Chief Retention Officer. "With his background in counseling and student support services, I know that Larry will build strong connections with our campus community very quickly. His leadership will advance much-needed educational programming at EC related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Most importantly, I'm looking forward to Larry providing holistic support and advocacy to our students from diverse populations."

While new on the job, Parker already has two main objectives for the diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at EC. "I want to develop the student leaders who currently lead DEI programs on campus," he said. "This objective is based on brainstorming and collaborating done with other DEI programs."

"Secondly, I'd like to help enrich the DEI experience for faculty and staff. This can be done by sharing the stories of students of color and giving them a place to explain how they arrived where they are. I hope that together, this will provide more support in connecting students, faculty, and staff."

Overall, Parker believes his role can assist in the sense of belonging for students of color on campus with the hope that more students of color will apply to and attend Elmira College in the future.

Members of the EC community are invited to stop by Parker's office in the Campus Center to welcome him to EC. His office is located on the first floor of the Campus Center near the 1855 Room.

Fun Facts:

• Favorite Quote: "If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." - Zig Ziglar
• Fun Fact: Parker, an Elmira native, loves the Green Bay Packers, and secretly wanted to live in Green Bay, Wisconsin when he was growing up.

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