Diversity
Office Staff
Terri Johnson, Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs
Terri began her position in July, 2011 as the Assistant Dean for Student Multicultural Affairs at Southwestern University. Terri is originally from Louisiana but has also lived in Tennessee, Indiana and Michigan. Terri has worked for many years in higher education with a special emphasis on underrepresented populations. Terri is very passionate about issues of education, equity, activism and social justice in helping others to succeed. Terri is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She also has received a diversity training certificate from the National Multicultural Institute for the Training of Trainers III: Advanced Facilitation Skills for Diversity Trainers in Washington, DC. She has worked in both private and public universities including a past position as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana. Terri enjoys writing poetry, traveling, volunteering, taking nature walks, taking classes, reading and researching her family history. Terri is excited about working with the students, staff and faculty at Southwestern University. Terri feels that the Cross Cultural Center will create a positive environment for learning, studying, networking and hosting various events. Terri is the author of two books of poetry - “Never A Journey Alone: Even A Strong Woman Cries” (May, 2012) and “Jumping In The Sunshine - Laughter is a Gift”(February, 2013). Terri was also named the 2012 - 2013 - Advisor of the Year for her work with the Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice at the Student Leadership Awards sponsored by Omicron Delta Kappa.
Terri can be contacted at (512)-863-1342 or tjohnson@southwestern.edu
Kadidatou Magassa, Student Director
Major: International Studies and Political Science
Year: Senior
Hometown: Harlem, New York
Organizations and Offices: Co-Director, Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice - 2012 - 2013
Member of Student Foundation
Member of Student Philanthropy Council
Diversity Enrichment Committee Member
Originally from Harlem, New York, Kadidiatou Magassa is the youngest of immigrant parents from Mali. Eager to explore and question the most fundamental concepts of human existence, Ms. Magassa has a strong desire to understand the essentials of providing support to individuals affected by underdevelopment. With a passion to work with youth, she aims to guide young people from historically marginalized communities through their pursuit for social justice aournd their community’s greatest challenges. Guiding students to think creatively and critically Ms. Magassa seeks to work with youth in exploring international issues with and through an artistic lens and media literacy. An award winning youth media producer and graphic designer.
Carley Arnold, Student Director
Major: Feminist Studies Major
Year: Junior
Hometown: Victoria, Texas
Organizations & Offices:
Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) Co-Director - 2011 - 2012
Pan-Asian - Secretary
Allies – Member
Diversity Enrichment Committee Member, DEC Sub-committee Co-Chair
Hobbies and Future Plans: My hobbies center around beauty, fashion, culinary arts, film, music, interior design, etc., and I take these into the classroom, analyzing them critically through my work as a feminist studies major. I’m incredibly excited to study abroad later this year and work on capstone my senior year. After that, I feel I will be prepared to go into any career that supports women and/or children’s needs and allows them to define and achieve their own successes.
Colton Ferrell, Student Director
Major: Political Science
Minor: Sociology & Feminist Studies
Year: Senior
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Organizations & Offices:
Allies - Chair
Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) - Co-Director - 2011
Student Congress - CDSJ Representative
Diversity Enrichment Committee Member
Student Foundation
Future plans: I hope to attend graduate school after leaving Southwestern and earn my master’s degree in either Political Science, Sociology, or Feminist Studies (I’m currently undecided). I would eventually like to work for a pro-equality organization like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), or the Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network (GLSEN). My main goal is to become an LGBTQ rights activist, and would like to specialize in issues dealing with the treatment of LGBTQ - or perceived LGBTQ - students in schools.
Auburney Jackson, Student Volunteer Director & Intern
Majors: Philosophy
Minor: Biology / Political Science Double Minor
Year: Junior
Hometown: Fort Hood, Texas
Organizations and Offices:
Coalition for Diversity and Social Justice (CDSJ) Co-Director - 2011 -2012
E.B.O.N.Y Member - Vice President of Finances (2011 - 2012)
Pan Asian Association - Member
Diversity Enrichment Committee Member
Future Plans: As a Bishop T. Dixon and Gates Millennium Scholar, I am very dedicated to any endeavor that I take on. In being so, I am thankful to spend my time in the liberal arts environment of Southwestern University. I am excited to be evolved with the Coalition of Diversity and Social Justice as well as the Office of Diversity Education because it gives me the opportunity to further honor the spirit of liberal arts by encouraging cultural engagement. I look forward to helping out in any way possible whether it is scholastically or socially, so if you see me around on campus, do not hesitate to say hello!
