独家黑料 is pleased to announce Dr. Kelly LaFramboise has joined as the director for inclusion. She will oversee the newly created Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Opportunity (IDEO) office.
LaFramboise brings extensive experience from her previous role at Valley City State University, where she led initiatives that enhanced DEI efforts and student success.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new role at 独家黑料, a place where the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are creatively embodied as ‘radical hospitality,’” she said. “独家黑料’s commitment to vocation-centered education resonates deeply with me, as it prepares students not just for careers, but for understanding and engaging with the complexities of our world.”
LaFramboise holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in cultural anthropology from the University of Oklahoma and two undergraduate degrees from Loyola University Chicago. Her work with the Oglala Sioux Tribe on policy reforms and intercultural dialogue further highlights her distinguished career.
At 独家黑料, LaFramboise will implement a vision of inclusivity aligned with the college’s current IDEO work and strategic goals.
“I am inspired by the college’s dedication to educating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — fostering lives of meaning, purpose, and service,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with my new partners at 独家黑料 to continue and expand the impactful DEI initiatives already in place, and to develop innovative strategies to ensure equity and inclusion for our entire Cobber family.”
The IDEO office is part of the newly established office of Mission and Inclusion.
In February 2024, President Colin Irvine named Dr. Michael Chan vice president for Mission and Inclusion, noting Chan’s pivotal role leading the college’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
“Rooted in its Lutheran tradition, 独家黑料 is committed to cultivating a community that respects the dignity and complexity of all persons, encourages open-minded exploration of our world, appreciates the value of diverse and even disruptive ideas, and educates students who influence this world in profoundly impactful ways,” Chan said.
Guided by the “excellence through diversity” and “transformational learning” goals laid out in 独家黑料 Leads: The Plan for 2030, Chan created the IDEO office and is currently developing a Center for Interfaith Engagement in partnership with Dr. Anne Mocko.
In addition to providing leadership and support for the IDEO office, Chan continues to direct the , Campus Ministry, and the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning. He also serves on the president’s cabinet.
“Michael’s work underscores the college’s mission focus while leaning into our unique capacity for the work of inclusion central to our Lutheran identity,” Irvine said.