A Look at How Strayer University Approaches Opportunities Related to Diversity

Expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a goal that that aligns with the mission of many colleges and universities. DEI is also front of mind for many employers as they explore new ways to support the goals of their team.

Nicole Morris, senior dean of the Strayer University College of Arts and Sciences, recently discussed her career in education, her work with Strayer, and the ways that Strayer supports students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.

How long have you worked with Strayer? What have been some of your roles with the university?

I’ve been with Strayer for about 16 years. It’s been a lovely career with lots of opportunities to take on new roles. I actually started as a tutor at the Shelby Oaks campus in Memphis, TN. I eventually pursued leadership opportunities and became an academic project manager, moving to D.C. to support Strayer 360 and other initiatives. After that, I helped with restructuring some campuses, becoming senior vice provost for the Texas region. Later, I got back into some teaching and now I’m with the College of Arts at Sciences.

Can you describe how you approach your work and DEI considerations at Strayer?

It's a wonderful question because I think Strayer has adopted many practices that welcome diversity. This includes supporting a variety of students with different backgrounds and identities.

As an African-American female in a leadership position, I remember earlier in my career being in different meetings and not seeing people who look like me. I was a young professional, and I didn’t feel like I had as much of a voice as I could have. But I always wanted the opportunity to lead and take on the challenges presented to me. In my work now, I want to connect with as many diverse voices as possible.

Currently at Strayer, we’re focusing on a lot of different initiatives and exploring what platforms we can use to improve issues around DEI. I’m always seeking opportunities, asking my team for feedback, and making sure their input is valued. Regardless of what role you play at our university, it’s important for leadership to listen to your insights.

What are some of the challenges and opportunities related to DEI at Strayer?

Because Strayer has multiple branches of different educational opportunities, there are so many ways we can support the goals of our students. I look at an asynchronous platform like Sophia and how it can provide general education for those who need it to complete their degree. It’s a platform that can help so many people, regardless of their schedule and day-to-day needs. I also think about how Strayer offers courses both online and through physical campuses, depending on what works best for our students.

Something I’m really proud of is how Strayer is thinking about our students who are neurodiverse. We’re always exploring new ways to support and engage with them. We’re also embracing international students and connecting them with the resources they need to succeed at Strayer.

What should employers take into consideration when talking about education benefits with their team?

We have to be thoughtful of every student’s (or potential student’s) needs and background. If we want to make it easier for people to go back to school, we need to consider how we can make education more accessible. For example, not everyone has a home or family situation that makes it easy to take classes. Some families don’t have the same expectations for education as others might. We need to be aware of this.

One of the ways we support our students is to check in on them if, say, they haven’t been active in class. We’ll reach out and see what the issue is and if we can provide resources to help them get back on track. This might include mental health services or other essentials. 

Also, something to keep in mind is that the concept of diversity continues to evolve. As it does, we have to always work to meet the needs of our students. It should be a holistic approach. For employers, supporting their team means expanding access to opportunities for growth and development so that all employees have what they need to achieve their goals.

To explore learning options for your team, contact a Workforce Edge specialist today.