By Samantha Holm | Arts & Culture Editor
After nearly a year of searching, Whitworth University’s DEI Vice President search committee selected Joshue Orozco as its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Vice President on Feb. 24, 2023.
For 14 years, Orozco has served Whitworth in numerous capacities, including as a professor of philosophy, associate dean of DEI and interim DEI vice president. He will officially take office as DEI vice president on July 1, 2023, but that hasn’t stopped him from working on his goals for the position.
“My thinking is that the best way to make an impact, particularly in a space like DEI, is to draw upon the resources and the expertise of our brilliant community members,” Orozco said.
Orozco explained that his knowledge of Whitworth University is derived from his time serving as a faculty member, but he recognizes there’s a lot more to learn about the university from an administrative perspective. For the time being, he is spending time learning about “what we’re doing well and where are our areas of growth as an institution.”
In an effort to identify Whitworth’s strengths and shortcomings, Orozco has sought insight from clubs and organizations on-campus. So far, he has met with members of Whitworth’s Black Student Union (BSU), Umoja Club and Heritage of Latino American (H.O.L.A) Club. Before the school year ends, he aims to meet with Pride Club and Polynesian Club for more conversations.
“Listening to people’s experiences, not just in the classroom, but in every part of our institution will be an important thing,” he said. “It would be foolish of me to try to make changes without first understanding what the needs are and what the experiences are for the people who are here.”
Reflecting on these conversations, Orozco said, “The needs of our different groups and how that happens is different based on the different groups.”
Orozco also feels passionate about increasing the diversity of Whitworth’s personnel. “Our student body has continually become increasingly diverse over the last 10 to 15 years, but our faculty and staff haven’t,” he said.
From his perspective, addressing this issue will involve “making sure that whatever processes we have in place are equitable.”
Another part of Orozco’s work as DEI vice president will consist of collaboration, not only within Whitworth but with members of the outside community. “We have this obligation to serve the needs and make sure that’re good neighbors to our external community partners,” he said. “I think that’s part of our Christian mission.”
Orozco’s commitment to Whitworth’s Christ-centered mission distinguished him from other candidates considered for the position. President Scott McQuilkin served as chair of the search committee. Joining him were several DEI representatives, including Student DEI Director Ayaka Dohi, Assistant Director of DEI Raul Sanchez and DEI Chaplain Stephy Nobles-Beans. Professor of philosophy Justin Martin, Assistant Athletic Director Jennifer Toulouse-Lee and Alumni & Parent Relations Director Dale Hammond also served on the committee. Jessica Lopez-Ramirez and Elise Leal served as the student representatives.
In an email, Dohi said, “Dr. Orozco’s knowledge, history and love for Whitworth, our students [and] the mission were what made Dr. Orozco stand out in the search process.”
“My challenge and job is to help our community see that DEI work is really rooted in our Christian identity,” Orozco said. “Making sure that everyone is treated equitably and making sure that everyone feels seen and valued comes out of our Christian identity.”
Orozco made it clear what will guide his efforts as DEI vice president, saying, “How is the work that I’m engaging in informed by [and] made better by our commitments to Christ?”