The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) is making strides to enhance staffing in support of its critical role as a home for diversity, inclusion, and social justice, facilitator of education and cultural programming, and safe space for students of diverse identities and experiences.
Effective immediately, Mitchell R. Foster, previously assistant director of residential equity and assessment with Campus Living & Residential Education, will serve as the MSSC’s interim director during the search for a permanent director, launching soon. A trusted leader with a passion for building healthy and meaningful relationships, Foster’s wealth of professional experience has focused on identity-based and assessment work in higher education, particularly in the residential education space.
In their time as interim director, Foster will maintain MSSC’s upward trajectory by ensuring continuity of operations, projects, programming, and continued support for students.
Foster recognized the honor and privilege of continuing to contribute to the GW community in this new role with the MSSC.
“My time working at GW has been marked by milestones that a younger version of myself aspired to but could never have imagined,” said Foster. “This comes with an acknowledgement of the people who have supported me along the way and continue to be a positive presence as I continue in this work. I am most excited about working more directly with students and student organizations, and to be surrounded daily by a vibrant and inspiring group of folx, both students and staff alike. I am truly grateful for this new opportunity to provide leadership and support for the Center; to pour into, nourish and elevate the community that already exists here."
In response to continued growing engagement in its crucial programming and resources, the MSSC will also strengthen administrative and programming support with the addition of several roles. The office will soon launch searches for a gender and sexuality program coordinator with a focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, a race, ethnicity and culture program coordinator, and an administrative assistant, doubling the number of full-time staff in the MSSC.
“Students deserve a place at GW where they can show up as their most authentic selves, feel supported, and engage in new learning opportunities that challenge their thinking,” said Jordan Shelby West, associate vice provost for diversity, equity and community engagement. “The MSSC is a space committed to supporting students from historically marginalized identities and will continue being a space in service of these communities. With increased staffing and university support, we are moving in the right direction for MSSC’s future. We have an obligation to celebrate, uplift, and support students who are part of the MSSC community - that will always be a priority.”
During this transitional period, the MSSC will continue its partnership with Dr. Tony Keith, Jr., an award-winning poet, spoken word artist, author, and founder and chief executive officer of Ed Emcee Academy. Keith, who has supported multiple diversity and cultural initiatives and programs at GW, including the annual Diversity Summit and 2024’s King Week, will provide ongoing programming and support for student organizations.
“The MSSC has long been, and will continue to be, a space of community and belonging for our students,” said Caroline Laguerre-Brown, vice provost for diversity, equity and community engagement. “I look forward to our work together that ensures we continue to serve our students and enhance the MSSC and its future growth at GW.”