Amer F. Ahmed, Ed.D.

@Iamkeithcurry @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (2/2) Indigenizing is a call to our collective ancestral knowledge and truth that we all are capable of drawing from to shape and reshape knowledge and the world we collectively live in. This creates space for wisdom and spirit and other ways of knowing beyond just intellectual.

Q8 @dramerfahmed, what’s your freedom dream for the future of higher education? How do you envision achieving a truly inclusive and equitable academic environment? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster

@Iamkeithcurry @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (1/1) To indigenize rather than decolonize. Decolonizing is an understandable response to centuries of epistemological supremacy. However, it is just that, a response (or reaction) to a dominant order rather than operating from a fundamentally alternative conceptual foundation.

@DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (2/2) Our ancestors endured greater challenges (with no viable path to change in their lifetime). Our task is to take care of each other and ourselves to co-create the path to new possibilities. We must reach out and bring along people that might not already agree with us.

Q7 @dramerfahmed, what gives you hope for the future of inclusive excellence in higher education? What vision do you hold that keeps you motivated and energized in your work? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster

@DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (1/2) As Dr. King said, "The arc of the moral universe is long but bends towards justice." Although, we've seen the pendulum swing wildly in recent years, this is only a season. A painful one, but I do not believe the current moment will persist or sustain itself.

@DrPamLuster @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry @equityavengers (2/2) With that, a commitment to engage in difficult dialogue across difference. A willingness to have hard conversations about challenging topics without dehumanizing others. This became difficult in hundreds of institutions and colleagues who I engaged post-10/7 in particular.

Q6 @dramerfahmed, as someone who has consulted widely across North America, what are some of the common challenges institutions face in approaching equity work, and how do you recommend they address these challenges? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry @equityavengers

@DrPamLuster @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry @equityavengers (1/2) Walking the walk rather than simply talking the talk. I think in higher ed, the cultivation of the ego is pervasive in the culture. Often what people think and say is more valued than what is embodied and enacted. Humility is a practice that needs to be better cultivated.

@Iamkeithcurry @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (2/2) My past self would have felt guilty and/or selfish for truly investing and taking that time for myself. I no longer feel that way and fully recognize that if I don't, I will burn out if I don't. I am invested in a lifetime commitment to advancing this work.

Q5 @dramerfahmed, the journey towards racial equity is long and feels especially arduous now. How are you sustaining yourself & what practices would you recommend to other #EquityAvengers for maintaining their well-being? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster

@Iamkeithcurry @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (1/2) I have developed a deep commitment to self-care. For example, over this past winter break I focused on family and took a true break from work. This was key in being able to show up fully invested and focused for the current moment we're collectively navigating.

@DrTammeil @uvmvermont @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry Our institutional values were key guides as well: uvm.edu/president/our-…

Q4 @dramerfahmed, overseeing @uvmvermont identity centers & leading University Inclusive Excellence Council involves complex, university-wide work. What strategies are most effective in building capacity & advancing inclusive excellence? #EquityChat @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry

@DrTammeil @uvmvermont @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry (3/3) Engaging senior leaders (w/ expectations from the President and Provost) were key in connecting IE Action Plans to unit Strategic Plans as well as the Provost's Academic Success Goals (uvm.edu/provost/academ…) and the President's Strategic Vision: uvm.edu/president/ampl…

@DrTammeil @uvmvermont @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry (2/3) We had to teach many to shift from the performative to action-based and strategy (not just tactics). The tactics need to support the strategy and need to connect to broader institutional goals, priorities, values, and strategies.

@DrTammeil @uvmvermont @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry (1/3) My first two years, we taught all colleges and administrative units in a decentralized institution to develop Inclusive Excellence Action Plans. It was the first data-driven IE strategy in the history of UVM: uvm.edu/ie/comprehensi…

@DrPamLuster @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry (2/2) He has poured into me tremendous knowledge, wisdom, and expertise. We are both from Springfield, Ohio and are alums of Miami Univ (OH), and advanced DEI work at Univ. of Michigan. So our ties and connections go beyond the work. I'm thankful for all he's invested into me.

Q3 @dramerfahmed, in your role, collaboration is key. To do this work, we must continue learning and partnering with others. How do you educate yourself and who is informing your practice? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry

@DrPamLuster @DrTammeil @Iamkeithcurry (1/2) I'm a collaborator by nature that gift strengthens my ability to be effective. I recognize the gifts and ability of others and am adaptive in partnering with others. I've also been mentored well by leaders in my field. Most importantly, by Dr. Damon A. Williams @DAWPHD

@Iamkeithcurry @uvmvermont @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (3/3) It inspired me to dedicate my life towards creating deeper understanding and justice for all. Lastly, 9/11 fundamentally altered the experience of myself and my community in the U.S. I've known that I have a responsibility to educate others about our community.

Q2 @dramerfahmed, throughout your diverse career in inclusive excellence, was there a defining moment or key experience that catalyzed your commitment to engaging in this vital work? How has that influenced your approach at @uvmvermont? #EquityChat @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster

@Iamkeithcurry @uvmvermont @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (2/2) I believed there was a conversation happening on race and racism that wasn't occurring in the U.S. I also saw a willingness to engage in dialogue, healing, forgiveness with accountability, and much more that I simply was not seeing in the U.S. at the time.

@Iamkeithcurry @uvmvermont @DrTammeil @DrPamLuster (1/1)I studied abroad in Durban, South Africa during the Truth and Reconciliation Process when Mandela was President. The experience of being in a country only 4 years after Apartheid ended and in classes with people who grew up in racial segregation changed me.

@DrTammeil @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry I thought long and hard about this. I think I have to go with "Keep Ya Head Up" by Tupac Shakur: youtu.be/oKKoy2F9F54?si… I think it just captures the essence of what moves and motivates me to do the work.

Q1 @dramerfahmed, tell us: what's your walk-up song or anthem that embodies your drive for advancing inclusive excellence? #EquityChat @DrPamLuster @Iamkeithcurry

In this week's snippet, @dramerfahmed talks about centering the student experience in classroom teaching.

Join @dramerfahmed & @revdrJamie as they explore techniques to effectively develop faculty competencies in the realms of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.  Inclusive teaching is and should be fundamental in “good teaching.” studentaffairsnow.com/faculty-deib/