Bias Education and Response Team Members
Co-Chairs
The Co-chairs ensure that the process runs smoothly from start to finish. The Co-Chairs are positioned to understand the tensions of navigating these incidents and leverage their relationships to delegate tasks and equip the other Team members with resources. Co-chairs will be (1) senior-level leader from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement and (1) faculty member.
Norris “EJ” Edney, Director – Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement
Faculty Representative – Currently Vacant
Executive Team
The executive team members liaise between the affected parties and the Co-chairs. They are directly involved in the development of resources. Executive Team members are also responsible for drafting follow-up reports of bias incident response processes and their outcomes. Conduct, UPD, and EORC representatives will determine jurisdiction and initiate investigation of alleged or potential violations of policy and/or law if warranted. General Counsel will provide legal advice if warranted.
Shawnboda Mead, Interim Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Community Engagement
Norris “EJ” Edney and Faculty Representative, Team Co-Chairs
Erica McKinley, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Tracy Murry, Director of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct
Kendall Brown, Lieutenant UPD
Gene Rowzee, Interim Director Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance
Education Team
Education team members participate most directly in the co-creation and delivery of resources to affected parties. These individuals represent several high-touch areas across campus, and are able to leverage their connections in student spaces to advance resource delivery. Education Team members have considerable experience working with students.
Norris “EJ” Edney, Director, Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement
Cadence Pentheny, Coordinator for LGBTQ+ Programming & Initiatives, Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement
Alexandria White, Student Services Director for Ole Miss International
Michael Barnett, Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre Arts
Graham Bodie, Professor of Integrated Marketing Communication
Jennifer Saxon, Senior Associate Athletic Director Social Responsibility and Engagement, Intercollegiate Athletics
Carrie Smith, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Tanya Nichols, Project Manager, Diversity & Community Engagement
Kevin Cozart, Operations Coordinator, Sarah Isom Center for Women & Gender Studies
Arthur Doctor, Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life
Nequel Burwell, Assistant Director, Student Housing Residential Learning
Merrill Magruder, Coordinator Family Programs & Special Events – VC For Student Affairs
