On Feb. 29, Gauri A. Pitale will join Augustana College as the next vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). After thorough consideration, Pitale was selected by a search committee composed of 15 diverse members of the Augustana community.
The search committee assembled shortly after Monica Smith, Augustana’s former vice president of DEI, announced her leave in May of 2023. Smith worked at Augustana for five years.
Vickie Phipps, associate professor of art and graphic design, served as the committee’s co-chair alongside Wes Brooks, vice president and dean of student life. Phipps said the search process was extensive and tactful, acknowledging the impact Smith left on Augustana throughout her five years.
“The bar is incredibly high,” Phipps said. “Dr. Pitale is more than qualified, and everyone who met Dr. Pitale had no question about [her] qualifications.”
Lisa Durant-Jones, Augustana’s interim vice president of DEI, understands the necessity of DEI and administrative representation at an institution like Augustana. Durant-Jones has administrative experience in DEI, specifically in higher education.
“We can’t deny that institutions of higher [education] are increasingly more diverse,” Durant-Jones said. “We want our students to think critically and also be engaged across differences… We know that it just doesn’t happen magically.”
Knowing the position’s importance, the search committee sorted through applicants thoughtfully. Phipps explained the committee first wrote and published the job description, worked with outside consultants and went through several rounds of interviews with applicants. Students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to raise questions and concerns to Pitale.
Sophomore Zion Williams, treasurer of the Black Student Union (BSU), sat on the search committee as a student voice.
“I think [Pitale’s] main approach is getting the student’s perspective and then using her channels to get the solution,” Williams said. “I think she’s really going to integrate herself into the community.”
Williams outlined issues he currently sees on Augustana’s campus: lack of diversity in athletics, unsupported international students and low attendance of domestic minority students. Williams is confident Pitale is eager to work with students to create solutions.
“I think [the impact] is important because I see what it does when it’s not there,” Williams said. “It’s a good way to foster growth… The world is diverse, and having that diversity experience at a college can help you grow.”
Regardless, Durant-Jones said that Augustana is “positioned fabulously” and is an “exemplary institution” in terms of DEI.
“Augustana is positioned to not only value what is consistent with its mission, but it’s willing to address those issues that are challenging,” Durant-Jones said.
Needless to say, Augustana’s community members are eager to see what Pitale brings to their campus. According to Phipps, Williams and Durant-Jones, Pitale is thrilled to begin her work and become acquainted with Augustana’s community.
“Get excited about Dr. Pitale arriving,” Phipps said. “We have a bright future here at Augustana, and Dr. Pitale is going to play a really important role in helping our community be the best it can be.”
