Established in 2013, AU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) aims to provide strategic direction and guidance to the university community as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Over the course of its seven-year history at AU, ODI has gone through several changes, not the least of which were three major changes in office leadership. Augusta University created an inaugural Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) in 2015.
Purpose: ODI helps units campus-wide foster practices that optimize the contributions of groups and individuals by supporting the engagement and development of all faculty, staff, students and patients.
Mission: AU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) aims to provide strategic direction and guidance to the university community as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, ODI strives to provide institutional leadership focused on enhancing and maintaining inclusive excellence in learning, teaching, research and service at the Augusta University.
Vision Statement: Diversity and Inclusion will build, align and coordinate diversity efforts as a strategic approach that contributes to organizational goals and business performance. In addition, ODI aspires to create a campus climate that affirms diverse identities and experiences, fosters value and respect of all community members, and celebrates differences.
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Health Sciences Campus
AA-172
706-721-9265
706-446-0276
Dr. Garrett Green
Chief Diversity Officer
(he/him/his)
phone icon 706-721-9272
envelope-o icon gagreen@augusta.edu
Dr. Garrett Green is the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and an adjunct professor in the College of Education & Human Development at Augusta University. In his role as CDO, Dr. Green works closely with university leadership in developing strategies to build and preserve a campus culture that promotes the values of inclusivity, compassion, collegiality, excellence, integrity and leadership. Dr. Green received his Doctorate in Education from Augusta University. He has served as a Co-Champion for the interwoven theme of diversity, equity and inclusion for our university strategic plan, "Creating a Legacy Like No Other.” He also has helped lead the institution’s African American Male Initiative Program (AAMI) and launched the Multicultural Mentorship Program (MMP). He previously served as the Director of the Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (MSE) in the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs. As a practitioner and scholar, he has worked nearly 10 years to ensure that all individuals regardless of ethnicity, sex or socio-economic status have equitable access to knowledge, community and resources.
Amanda Cruz
ODI Training Coordinator
(she/her/hers)
phone icon 706-667-4892
envelope-o icon acruz@augusta.edu
Mrs. Amanda Cruz is the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) Training Coordinator, and she is a current Master of Public Administration student in the Pamplin College at Augusta University. Amanda is from Folsom, California and transferred to Augusta University as an undergraduate student in 2017, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology. Before joining the ODI team at Augusta University in November 2022, she gained institutional experience within both the Office of Academic Admissions and the Honors Program. In her role as the Training Coordinator, Amanda will develop and provide culturally responsive trainings and will actively research new, best practices in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion arena. She will work closely with the community, on-campus organizations, student affairs, faculty affairs, and Human Resources to support campus climate initiatives and recruitment and retention efforts. Through her experiences, Amanda has developed a passion for serving others and is always eager to learn.
