Augustana has new assistant director for student inclusion, diversity office [Video]

Augustana College has announced Sam Wright to serve as assistant director and LGBTQ+ coordinator in the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity.

Wright, a 2020 Augustana graduate from St. Louis, Mo., joined Augustana on Monday, according to a news release. Wright currently is  president of the Palomares Justice Institute, which serves the socio-economic needs and interests of Moline’s Floreciente neighborhood and other less empowered communities through advocacy, grassroots, outreach and culturally sensitive services.

Dr. Gauri Pitale, Augustana’s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, said Wright brings to this position a wealth of community ties in and around Augustana.

“The person serving in this role is a vital resource for our LGBTQ+ community members and will be working closely with our students to implement programming from the Office of Student Inclusion and Diversity,” she said. “I am excited for Sam to join us and continue this important work to maximize student potential at Augustana.”

Prioritizing student …