Dear SPA Community,
As the Director of Inclusive Excellence, I am honored to join you in fostering an environment that prioritizes opportunity, access, respect, and community—foundations of our shared mission and vital to our work together.
The School of Public Affairs has long been a leader in preparing the next generation of public servants, policymakers, and community leaders. As we navigate today’s complex world, our commitment to broadening access and promoting excellence becomes increasingly vital. It is not just a goal; it is an ongoing practice that requires our active engagement and dedication.
Opportunity is at the heart of our work. It means creating spaces where every individual feels respected and empowered to share their unique perspectives. Our wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints enriches our academic and professional conversations, driving innovation and deepening our understanding of the challenges we face. I encourage each of you to engage with one another, seek out new perspectives, and participate fully in the discussions that strengthen our community.
Access and representation reflect the many ways we differ—across backgrounds, identities, experiences, and viewpoints. It is important to recognize and appreciate these differences as we build a community where everyone can contribute meaningfully. Our strength lies in the breadth of our experiences, which fuels more informed and effective solutions to the issues we seek to address.
Fairness and opportunity are essential to ensuring all members of our community have the tools and support they need to thrive. As we move forward, we must remain committed to removing barriers and expanding pathways for success for all. This requires us not only to acknowledge gaps that exist but to actively work toward creating a community where everyone can reach their highest potential.
A sense of community is the culmination of these efforts. It assures that each person feels connected, valued, and respected. Community strengthens our spirit and enriches our academic and professional experiences. As we move forward, let us commit to fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and is encouraged to contribute their authentic voice.
Our School remains dedicated to efforts that promote access, opportunity, and excellence. I encourage you to take part in the many initiatives designed to support this work and to share your thoughts and ideas with me through this survey. Your insights are essential as we strive to continue building a community where all can succeed.
Our commitment is ongoing. It challenges us to reflect, to learn, and to grow—both individually and together. I am excited to partner with each of you as we advance our goals and contribute to creating a stronger, more connected community.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment.
Only through community can we be excellent.
TaLisa J. Carter, Ph.D.
carter@american.edu
Your feedback is essential in helping us strengthen opportunities, broaden access, and build a welcoming environment for all members of the SPA community. The survey is anonymous, brief (7 questions), and offers you the opportunity to share your perspectives on access, opportunity, respect, and community.
Are you engaged in efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen access, and build a welcoming community? Are you an SPA graduate student, faculty member, staff member, or alum? Tell us about your work!
The Inclusive Excellence Committee is comprised of faculty and staff within SPA and will soon also include students and alums.
A full list of SPA faculty inclusive excellence publications, talks, research, and more.
