Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Committee
Purpose of Committee
The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) needs to develop goals and metrics for how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion applies to our college and how we will measure progress toward these goals.
Practical Outcomes
Ensure that we have an environment and culture throughout CAES that is welcoming, encouraging and engaging of all students, employees and stakeholders.
- Review Unit-level 2025 Strategic Plan and existing Diversity Plan, if separate, for alignment
- Develop aligned Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Goals
- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and Data Sources for each Goal
- Identify Baseline and Annual Targets for each KPI
Committee Membership
The CAES Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Committee has been divided into four subcommittees:

Dario Chavez
Associate Professor
Horticulture
Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG)

Melissa G Mitchum
Professor, Plant Nematology
Plant Pathology
Center for Applied Genetic Technologies (CAGT)
Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG)

Lakecia Pettway
Director of Diversity Affairs
Office of Diversity Affairs
Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Kisha Faulk
FACS Program Development Coordinator for Northwest District, Interim CEC for Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties
Northwest District

Rochelle Sapp
Leadership Development Specialist
Office of Learning and Organizational Development (OLOD)