Angelitha Daniel came to NC State in 2003, and has been director of the Minority Engineering Programs since 2013. In 2020, she started a new role as special advisor to the dean for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, leading the College in cultivating a more inclusive and welcoming culture and environment.
Why was this new role created?
In the wake of the nationwide protest against racial injustice after the killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, we were able to seize the momentum to start something that we had been thinking about for a long time. The COVID-19 crisis along with the continued, senseless killings of Black and Brown people at the hands of police led many U.S. colleges, universities and corporations to appoint someone like myself to ensure access, equity, fairness and an environment that allows marginalized groups to feel seen, heard and welcomed.
In what areas does the College need to improve in its DEI work?
Addressing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) culture that has been built on the values and norms that benefited majority males, along with addressing the climate in our departments and programs, is critical in cultivating more inclusive learning and working environments. I often hear stories of microaggressions experienced by students and faculty and staff members of color. Everyone needs to take part in developing the cultural competency required to better understand the members who make up our College of Engineering family. When we are mindful of the people in our offices, classrooms and labs, and we have respect for those who don’t look, talk or think like us, we will be on our way to really changing the diversity landscape of the College.
What are some recent success stories?
In 2019, the College received Bronze-level recognition for the American Society of Engineering Education’s Diversity Recognition Program (ADRP). Part of the application process included drafting a DEI Plan. I am proud of the work my Broadening Participation and Inclusion Committee put into developing the guiding principles for the College’s first Diversity Strategic Plan, which builds upon what we submitted for ADRP, and will guide how we ensure access, fairness and equity in everything we do.
How did you start working in higher education?
I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Engineering with a B.S. in materials science and engineering. I was a work-study student for the PITT Engineering IMPACT Program (now the PITT EXCEL Program), founded by the late Dr. Karl H. Lewis. Upon graduating, I was hired as their coordinator of minority recruitment. Fast forward, I have been in this space for almost 25 years and I absolutely love what I do. Having the opportunity to support not only students but faculty and staff members as well, is a true testament to Dr. Lewis’ legacy.
What are the College’s current DEI priorities?
The College’s current DEI priorities focus on dealing with the lessons learned as a result of how COVID-19 changed how we work and live. We are educating students with different needs resulting from being educated in the virtual space and isolated from their peers. Recruiting faculty and staff members is even more challenging as well. We have to meet our constituents where they are and be sure that we are providing access to our public, land-grant institution and resources. They need flexibility in their work schedules so they can balance their personal lives. We also have to ensure that salaries are competitive to attract and retain diverse faculty and staff members.
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