Advocacy. Education. Community.
The Social Justice and Equity Center provides advocacy, education, community, and resources at Southern Oregon University; centering the needs of Black students, Indigenous students, students of color, queer and trans students, women and femmes, as well as veterans and military families. We work toward a sustainable world. Explore the resources in full below.
Take a virtual tour of some of the spaces of the Social Justice and Equity Center and Multicultural Commons.
GENDER & SEXUALITY JUSTICE
Torr Maeve
Equity Coordinator for Gender and Sexuality Justice
Pronouns: they/xe
Email: jorymills@sou.edu
Provides visible and accessible advocacy for the needs of queer, trans, women and femme students on campus and in our community. The Gender & Sexuality Justice team is passionately dedicated to improving our community through education, empowerment, physical resources, and support services. Campus Pride has ranked SOU as one of the Top 25 LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities for the past 5 years.
RACIAL JUSTICE
Marvin Woodard
Equity Coordinator for Racial Justice
Pronouns: he/him
Email: woodardm@sou.edu
Endeavors to create an inclusive program that promotes academic achievement, celebrates diversity, and supports the rich life experiences of the SOU community. Toward this goal, we seek to advocate on behalf of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color students, faculty, and staff by conducting training and programming where participants connect and explore the multifaceted issues of Race and Racial Justice.
SUSTAINABILITY & BASIC NEEDS
Jill Smedstad
Equity Coordinator for Sustainability and Basic Needs Resources
Pronouns: she/her
Email: smedstadj@sou.edu
Inspires a student body who is socially, economically, and environmentally responsible. We offer events, workshops, and campaigns to inspire local and global sustainability; access to the community garden, and different options for transportation around campus and town. We offer sustainable amenities that include UPcycled reusable beverage containers, print cartridge recycling, and a dish loan program.
VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES
Dr. Jesse S. Watson
Equity Coordinator for Veterans and Military Family Members
Pronouns: he/him
Email:watsonj8@sou.edu
Serves students based on a framework of integrity, serving others, and excellence in student support. We do this by creating regular programming, educating the university community through outreach initiatives, and partnering with campus and community agencies in support of the Military affiliated population at SOU. We provide assistance to Veterans and Military Families as they work to achieve their educational and personal goals.