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

Past Presidential Fellows

​​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.