2022 Assessment in Action Conference - Keynote
With Special Guest
Dr. EJ Edney
Afternoon Keynote: "Anti-deficit Perspectives on Institutional Diversity Efforts"
Institutions of higher learning are central to preparing people to shape the world in which we live. Yet widening opportunity gaps evidence a need for structural change that increases access and improves outcomes for all students. It is important to consider the lens through which practitioners assess and address the unique challenges and opportunities of an increasingly diverse student population. This session will focus on developing anti-deficit approaches to providing the kinds of opportunities that help solve our most pressing DEI challenges.
Speaker Biography - Dr. EJ Edney
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, Mississippi State University
EJ Edney graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in biology with minors in chemistry and psychology, in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Higher Education/Student Personnel, and in 2019 with his Doctor of Education in Higher Education. He currently serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Mississippi where he works to enhance efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion.
EJ's work and research focus on mentoring and its capacity to affect issues of equity and access for marginalized student groups. His work has received numerous awards including the Donald Cole Award for Excellence in Mentoring (2016) from the University of Mississippi Black Student Union and the Laws Innovation Award from the University of Mississippi School of Education (2018).
EJ has worked in various areas on campus, which have provided him a broad set of experiences. Prior to being named Assistant Vice Chancellor, EJ served as Director of the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement, Program Coordinator for the Luckyday Scholarship Success Program, and as a Coordinator for the National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternities and Sororities. EJ's professional experiences have helped to galvanize his passion for supporting and promoting equitable access to student success. As such, he has been a consistent fixture on numerous committees and working groups assembled to approach issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
EJ is a mentor, scholar, educator and leader. He is also a proud father to Norris "Rocky" Edney IV and Nora Eden Edney and life partner to Adrienne Edney.