This Year's Retreat

Thursday, January 23, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Atrium Room | Stamp Student Union

Our signature annual diversity event, the retreat will connect with the First Year Book, Matthew Desmond’s Poverty, By America. UGST staff and faculty will engage in discussion and activities that deepen our understanding of poverty, explore its impact on our students, and develop strategies for becoming poverty abolitionists. The keynote speaker will be Brian Watkins, Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Essential Needs Services in the Division of Student Affairs.

Jump to Schedule

Get ready

Free copies of the First Year Book are available in the Dean’s Office, 2110 Marie Mount Hall.

Schedule

Moderated by members of the Office of Undergraduate Studies Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

  • 8:30 AM

    Check-In

    Welcome! Coffee and light breakfast refreshments are available.


  • 9:00 A.M.

    Kahoot Warm-Up

    Jarrell Slade
    UGST Diversity Task Force and Inclusion Chair & Associate Director, Pre-College Programs


  • 9:20 A.M.

    Introduction to the DEI Retreat

    Jarrell Slade
    UGST Diversity Task Force and Inclusion Chair & Associate Director, Pre-College Programs


  • 9:25 A.M.

    Strategic Plan Connection

    William Cohen
    Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies


  • 9:45 A.M.

    Introduction of Keynote Speaker

    Ashleigh Brown
    Senior Associate Director, Letters & Sciences


  • 9:50 A.M.

    Poverty and the Promise(s) of Higher Education

    + Talkback Discussion 

    Brian Watkins
    Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Essential Needs Services and the founder of Fostering Terp Success


  • 10:30 A.M.

    Break


  • 10:45 A.M.

    Activity: Dollars and Decisions


  • 11:50 P.M.

    Food for Thought: Creating Change in Our Community


  • 12:10 P.M.

    Post-Program Evaluations


Grab and Go Boxed Lunches

Brian Watkins headshot

He is proud to work at the intersection of higher education and social justice as a passionate advocate for equity, access, and opportunity.

Brian L. Watkins (he/him) is Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Essential Needs Services and the founder of Fostering Terp Success. As part of the Dean of Students Office, Brian leads education, prevention, and emergency relief programs addressing the basic needs core areas of food security, housing security, and financial stability, as well as other essential needs that impact student health, well-being, belonging, and academic success. Brian joined the university as Director of Family Engagement, a position he held for 19 years, and recently co-chaired the Division of Student Affairs’ Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan.

With more than 25 years of experience working in higher education, he has served in a variety of leadership positions focused on new student and family transition and support; student engagement and success; equity and inclusion; leadership development; and communication and crisis management. A first-generation college graduate, Brian earned a Master of Education degree in higher education and student affairs administration from The University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Hope College. He completed doctoral coursework in American Studies at the University of Maryland and remains a lifelong scholar. Brian has received several honors and awards, including the AHEPPP Founders’ Outstanding Professional Award, University of Maryland Division of Student Affairs Outstanding Service Award, and induction into Omicron Delta Kappa.

Brian is a firm believer in radical hospitality, which explains why he's a dog person.

About the Task Force

On behalf of Dean William Cohen and Jarrell Slade, chair of the Office of Undergraduate Studies Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, we extend thanks to all those involved in the planning of this retreat. A special thanks to our presenters and facilitators. Most importantly, we thank you for your presence and participation.

We'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to Jarrell Slade or any committee member with your questions, big or small.

  • Lambert Aryee
  • Leslie Brice Bustamente
  • Ashleigh Brown
  • Alice Donlan
  • Leeanne Dunsmore
  • Georgette Hardy DeJesus
  • Jacqueline Kautzer
  • Marilee Lindemann
  • Carla Partlow
  • Jarrell Slade
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