Ande Diaz
Associate Dean of Students/ Director of Intercultural Center
Ande Diaz received her B.A in American Studies from Yale University, Ed.M from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Fielding Graduate University in Human and Organizational Development. She wrote The Harvard College Guide to Careers in Public Service, advocating the incorporation of a public good ethos into all employment sectors of society. Her current research includes civic engagement outcomes from deliberative dialogue as well as interethnic and racial coalition building. Educational access for low income students and minorities has been of prime importance to her, as has helping job seekers identify “gay-friendly” workplaces. Before RWU, Ande was an evaluation consultant at Tufts University, a student affairs dean at Princeton, and an assistant director of Career Services at Harvard. At Princeton, she helped students launch a Sustained Dialogue initiative, a five-stage process to transform conflicting relationships. As director of the Intercultural Center, Ande directs the IC’s efforts to support and challenge students and members of the broader campus community to incorporate intercultural learning into their everyday lives.
Maria Adkins
Assistant Director of Intercultural Center
Maria Adkins received her B.A. in French and International Affairs from the University of New Hampshire (1999) and a Master’s of International Education from the School for International Training (2004). As an undergraduate, Maria studied abroad for one year in Dijon, France. As the Assistant Director of the IC, Maria advises international student on their immigration questions and helps with their cultural adjustment to the U.S. She frequently plans activities and field trips for international students, runs a conversation partner program that pairs international students with American students to improve upon their English, and is in charge of the Host Family program on campus. Additionally, as the Assistant Director of Spiritual Life, Maria coordinates interfaith spiritual programs and advises the Interfaith Counsel. Maria joined our team in September 2007.
Don Mays
Assistant Director of Intercultural Center
Don Mays received his B.F.A, in Theatre from Drake University and a Certificate in Classical Theatre from the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York City, New York. As well as a film and theatre director, Don has been involved in community organizing/development, and a consultant in organization, staff and program development on diversity. As the Assistant Director of the IC, Don is the Director of the Bridge To Success program an enrichment program which promotes academic excellence in high school students in our partner schools in Newport and Providence. Don also advises student organizations and clubs dealing of multiculturalism, diversity and promotes Inclusive Excellence throughout the campus community. Don has been at the Intercultural Center since July of 2007.