Candice Stilwell
Whitworth University’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) department has welcomed new associate dean Dr. Jason Wollschleger will be stepping down from his position as sociology department head. He will, however, be choosing to continue teaching in the sociology department, but will be teaching two less classes than a full-time lecturer.
A press release sent out by the Whitworth quoted Joshue Orozco, vice president of DEI, as saying, “Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role. His passion for justice and his vision for structural changes that will promote equity throughout the curriculum and in the classroom is just what we need. Moreover, he is a wonderful colleague and has shown himself to be a generous collaborator.”
Prior to his time at Whitworth, Wollschleger completed his undergraduate degree in English and sociology at Charleston Southern University before getting a master’s degree in social work from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Ph.D. from Washington University.
He taught in a high school before joining the Urban League of Rochester (ULR), filling various roles. In sociology, he focuses on religion, racial and ethnic minorities and religious violence.
“Jason has demonstrated great leadership and is consistently championing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in his teaching, research, service and leadership roles,” reported the press release on Wollschleger’s acceptance of the position.
In this new role, Wollschleger will be reporting directly to Gregor Thuswaldner, who, as the student provost, handles tasks such as staff promotions, hiring and tenure decisions and staff retention.
To be hired for this role, Wollschleger applied and then interviewed through Whitworth’s Diversity Cabinet, chaired by the chief diversity officer Roberta Wilburn. The Diversity Cabinet aims to work in DEI and “provide the leadership necessary to build institutional capacity, and resources in order to implement, support, and sustain the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI & B) across campus,” according to the Diversity Cabinet webpage.
“A faculty member who had a vision, past demonstrated experience and work in DEI, and influence he ways in which our learning spaces, from classrooms to learning outcomes align with the university commitment that all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” said Ayaka Dohi, director of DEI.
As Wollschleger steps into this role, rest of the Diversity Cabinet are hoping for “deepened connections, collaboration, and aligned work as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion in academics,” said Dohi.
As the new assistant dean of DEI, his main goal is to, “make our classrooms and departments more inclusive and equitable, so that all our students fell like they belong and this is a place where they can thrive,” said Wollschleger.