Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our Mission

The JEDI Committee strives to ensure that underrepresented and economically disadvantaged populations will be recognized and connected to the SUNY Niagara community. Through intentionally designed strategies, academic offerings, policies, and practices, the College will work to empower these groups toward successful outcomes

Our Vision

SUNY Niagara’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee aspire to build lasting partnerships between students, employees, and the Niagara County community in the journey of education both inside and outside of the classroom. Through these efforts, our College will continually strive to support inclusiveness, celebrate diversity, and insist on equity for all.

Our Core Values

Constancy, integrity, transparency, cultural fluency, student-centeredness, accessibility, collegiality, and lifelong learning inform our institution’s work to ensure that SUNY Niagara graduates demonstrate global awareness, civic engagement, appreciation of differences, diversity, civility, ethics, and aesthetics.

Chief Diversity and Equity Officer

John D Strong was appointed as the new Chief Diversity and Equity Officer. Strong has been at the College for over 14 years, working as an Assistant Professor in Health and Physical Education and serving as the Personal Trainer Certificate Coordinator. He holds a Master of Science degree from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Canisius College.

Strong now leads the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee that was formed in September of 2016.  Along with committee members, Strong is working to increase support for social justice and civility in developing curricula, programs, events, services, policies, and procedures on campus.

2022-2023 JEDI Committee Members

John D Strong, Chief Diversity & Equity Officer, & Nursing, Physical & Allied Health (Chair)
Jonathan Bellomo, Human Resources
Will Brinson, Multicultural Affairs and Career & Transitional Services
Suzanne Buffamanti, Humanities
Fabio Escobar, Academic Affairs
Andrew Binks, Student Government Association
Erika Grande, Human Resources
Chris Herbeck, Grants Office
Angela Jackson, EOP and Student Housing
Micah Jones, Alumnus
Heather Trumble, Student Life
Julia Pitman, Student Services (ex-officio)
Catherine Brown, Human Resources (ex-officio)
Lydia Ulatowski, Academic Affairs (ex-officio)