Dr. Elizabeth Olson
Dr. Elizabeth Olson joined the College of ACES in January 2024 as the Associate Dean for DEI, the driving force behind the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She leads efforts to energize faculty, staff, and students, developing strategies to foster an inclusive environment for all. By collaborating with college and campus leadership, Dr. Olson is working to build programs that support all students and employees in ACES. With a focus on data-driven decisions and long-term change, Dr. Olson wants to ensure that the goal of advancing equity and inclusion for all is woven into everything the college does.
Diana Rodriguez M.A.
Diana Rodríguez has worked for the College of ACES for nearly 10 years. As the Assistant Director of Inclusive Recruitment and Retention, she plays a key role in leading efforts to improve recruitment and retention through mentorship, career counseling, and specialized programs, ensuring that students from all diverse backgrounds feel supported throughout their academic journey. By working with high school students interested in pursuing an education in ACES and our current student body, Diana helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, making sure everyone has the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Cherisse Smith M.S.Ed
Joining the ACES Office of DEI team in February 2025, Cherisse Smith brings amazing resources and growth to the college as the Coordinator of DEI Education. Cherisse works to create engaging opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore and enhance their understanding of topics related to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. She leads workshops, trainings, and educational programs that foster a more inclusive community, and prepares our community to work within a diverse global society. From guest speaking in classes to creating helpful materials and collaborating with university partners, Cherisse is helping the ACES community deepen their commitment to equity and inclusion for all.
Meagan Stewart, Ph.D.
Dr. Meagan Stewart joined the ACES Office of DEI in the fall of 2024, after earning their doctorate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Human Development and Family Science. Dr. Stewart plays a crucial role in helping the college become more inclusive and equitable for all employees and students. They are leading efforts to assess the college’s climate, collecting and analyzing data from faculty, staff, and students to determine what’s working well and where improvements are needed. By conducting surveys, focus groups, and other research activities, they provide valuable insights that help the college make data-informed decisions to better support everyone, turning research into action for a more inclusive and equitable academic environment.
Kendra Kimpel
Kendra Kimpel is a critical part of the ACES Office of DEI team. As Officer Manager, Kendra keeps everything running smoothly by coordinating events, controlling expenditures, and managing logistics for the whole team. Her nuanced knowledge of campus policies and practices is essential for the efficient and effective work in the Office of DEI.
