Email on Wednesday, June 17

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Wednesday, June 17

Dear Auburn Family,
 
After my recent message to campus about equality and inclusion, I have had invaluable conversations with students, faculty, staff and trustees and heard from many alums, all about the role Auburn can play to make a difference. Thanks to all who offered your thoughts.
 
While we continue to listen and have meaningful conversation, today I am pleased to announce formation of two groups that will help us as we move forward. One is a university task force charged with identifying internal improvements to enhance minority representation and advancement. Task force members are listed below. I have asked them to submit their initial recommendations that can be implemented administratively in the short term, after which they will continue their work developing implementation plans and helping guide our steps over the long term.
 
The second is a group comprised of six members of the Auburn Board of Trustees. This group will consider broader issues in which higher education and the state may be able to work together. Trustees in this group are also listed below.
 
As we move forward, we invite members of the Auburn Family to provide their recommendations on the most effective steps that we as a university should take. We ask you to take a few minutes and complete a short survey available here by the end of the day Monday.
 
We will provide more news in the coming weeks as developments occur. It is a true pleasure to witness the enthusiasm with which members of the Auburn Family are pulling together in this effort. I am more optimistic than ever about our future and confident Auburn will emerge as a stronger institution.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jay Gogue
President
 
University Task Force
Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess (ret) – chair
Executive Vice President
 
Dr. Katrina A.R. Akande
Assistant Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies
University Senate Representative
 
Ms. Madison Birckhead
President, Panhellenic Council
 
Ms. Angela Cannon
Department of Human Resources
Administrative & Professional Staff Representative
 
Dr. Taffye Benson Clayton
Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity
 
Dr. Royrickers Cook
Vice President, University Outreach
 
Mr. C. Kevin Coonrod
University Ombudsperson

Ms. Elizabeth Devore
Graduate Student Council

Ms. Donielle Fagan
Counseling Psychology Doctoral Student/GRA/GTA
Graduate Students
 
Dr. Oladiran Fasina
Professor & Head, Department of Biosystems Engineering
Department Chair/Head Representative
 
Dr. Joffery Gaymon
Vice President, Enrollment Services
 
Mrs. Jaime Hammer
General Counsel
 
Dr. Bill Hardgrave
Provost
 
Ms. Ada Ruth Huntley
President, Student Government Association
 
Mr. Seymour Irby
President, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
Interfraternity Council
 
Mr. Ronny Isaac
President, National Pan-Hellenic Council
 
Dr. Vini Nathan
Dean, College of Architecture, Design and Construction
Dean Representative
 
Ms. Lastella Paradise
Department of Human Resources
Staff Council Representative

Coach Bruce Pearl
Men’s Basketball

Ms. Ja’Lia Taylor
Black Graduate and Professional Student Association
 
Mrs. Gretchen VanValkenburg
Vice President, Alumni Affairs
 
Trustee Task Force
Gen. Lloyd Austin (ret)
Mr. Bob Dumas
Mrs. Elizabeth Huntley
Mrs. Sarah Newton
Mr. James Pratt
Mr. Quentin Riggins

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