Office of Institutional Diversity & Equity > Advocacy > Presidential Fellows > Past Presidential Fellows

Past Presidential Fellows

​​​​2022-2023

Photo of Dr. Amor Kholi

Amor Kohli, an associate professor and chair of the Department of African and Black Diaspora Studies, developed the foundation of a university-wide mentoring program for faculty from underrepresented groups. The goal of this program is to support the retention of underrepresented faculty.​




Photo of Dr. Jaqueline Lazu

Jacqueline Lazú, is an associate professor specializing in Latino and Caribbean literature and culture in the Department of Modern Languages. During her fellowship year, Dr. Lazú worked on a reparative history project and timeline that documents the role DePaul students, faculty, and staff played in Chicago civil rights history. 





​2021-2022

Valerie Johnson
Valerie Johnson, associate professor of political science, spent her fellowship year focusing on adding clarity to DePaul's DEI efforts and “ensure the entire university—faculty, staff, and students—fully understand what we mean when we say we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion."





Jose Soltero
Jose Soltero, professor of sociology, used his fellowship year to engage in research and analysis using surveys, individual interviews, and focus groups of students, alumni, and potential students to increase Latinx enrollment, retention, and graduation rates.




2020-2021

Chi Jang
Chi- Jang Yin, associate professor in the Art School, spent her fellowship year
collaborating  "with DEI personnel to advance initiatives in research projects and inclusive curriculums, and develop mutually supportive and equitable policies."




2019-2020

Christina Rivers, 2019-2020 Presidential Fellow

Christina Rivers, associate professor of political science, launched an intense effort for diverse faculty and students to form strong bonds through research and a post-prison higher education initiative. Her teaching and research interests include African-American politics and political thought, civil and voting rights law. Her current work is on mass incarceration, particularly felon disenfranchisement laws and prison-based gerrymanders.

Alyssa Westring, 2019-2020 Presidential Fellow

Alyssa Westring, associate professor of management and entrepreneurship,  evaluated DePaul’s culture to identify opportunities to enhance the engagement, retention, and career advancement for women and faculty of color. She teaches management courses with an emphasis on organizational beha​vior and career management. Westring's research focuses broadly on the interplay between work, family, and other life domains.