Doane College has selected Dr. Lisa M. McBride of Tallahassee, Fla., as its Diversity Consultant to the President.
McBride has spent the past nine years as an associate professor at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Fla., where she also serves as institutional diversity coordinator.
The view across college classrooms reflects significant change in the last 15 years, according to McBride.
"We have more learners than ever before who perceive and believe differently, not only from their professors but from one another as well. New 21stcentury strategies are needed to foster genuine inclusion in the higher education workplace. I commend the administration at Doane College for explicitly recognizing diversity and inclusion as important institutional goals and look forward to working with faculty, staff, and students in developing a strategic diversity plan," she said.
McBride earned her bachelor and master's degrees in criminology from Indiana State University. She received a doctorate of philosophy in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
She began her career as a police officer with the St. Louis Police Department in Missouri, then transitioned to seven years as senior special agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Atlanta, Ga., a job which included working as an overseas undercover operative.
McBride started her career in higher education at Albuquerque Community College, then became an assistant professor at the University of Maryland's Asian and European Divisions.
"We feel so fortunate to have Lisa work with us," said Doane President Jonathan Brand.
Brand called McBride "a recognized and inspired leader within higher education," who has successfully worked with other institutions to develop campus-wide processes to enhance the diversity of students, faculty and staff.
Her experience and qualifications range from designing and administering campus climate assessment surveys to conducting mediation sessions for corporations faced with workplace conflict involving discrimination and diversity.
At Doane, McBride will interact with numerous departments, including working directly with students to promote a diverse and inclusive college. She will lead the development of Doane's diversity policies and strategies.