Illinois Higher Education Equity Symposium

Dr. Austin Lane became the 27th Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on July 1, 2020. Under his leadership, SIU Carbondale launched its strategic plan, Imagine 2030, focusing on student success, diversity, branding, research, and sustainability. Since Dr. Lane joined SIU, freshman enrollment has increased, and more local students are choosing SIU Carbondale.

Chancellor Lane introduced the Saluki Commitment and Saluki Transfer Commitment, ensuring financial aid covers tuition for qualified Illinois students. He also started the Saluki Step Ahead program for community college graduates and formed partnerships with school districts and youth organizations, including Chicago Hope. He revitalized the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program and the Chancellor's Task Force on Diversity and Inclusion.

Before SIU, Dr. Lane held various leadership roles in higher education, including President of Texas Southern University and Executive Vice Chancellor at Lone Star College System. He has served on multiple boards and committees, including Southern Illinois Healthcare and the NCAA Honors Committee. He received an Honorary State FFA Degree in 2024 and numerous awards, such as the 2022 100 Black Men of America "Rising Star" award.

A New Jersey native, Chancellor Lane earned a B.A. in psychology from Langston University, an M.A. in human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and an Ed.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama. He is married to Loren Lane and has three children, Lauren, Chase, and Lance.

Dr. Jasmine Haywood is a strategy director at Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation that is committed to making opportunities for post-secondary learning beyond high school available to all. In that role, she leads a portfolio of work that focuses on increasing student success outcomes at four-year institutions. She also supports a portfolio focused on catalyzing employer-aligned credentials at four-year institutions.

Before joining Lumina, Haywood was a visiting faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership at Indiana State University. Prior to joining ISU, she was the managing editor for the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, a research assistant at IUPUI’s Center for Urban and Multicultural Education, and an admissions counselor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Haywood has published peer-reviewed scholarship in the areas of minoritized students in higher education and faculty of color. She holds master’s and doctoral degrees in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University.

Wendi Wills El-Amin, M.D. is the Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. She is a Professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine where she provides care at the Center for Family Medicine in Springfield. Dr. El-Amin is dually appointed to the SIU’s Department of Medical Education where she serves as an academic strategist.

El-Amin served as Assistant Dean of Medical Education at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville (2007-10). She also served as director of outreach at the Center on Health Disparities and Director of the UVA Cancer Center Health Disparity Initiative (2006-10) and as an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and public health (2005-10), all at the University of Virginia. El-Amin was in private practice at Wills Diagnostic Clinic in Houston, TX. (2001-03).

She completed her residency in family practice and community medicine as chief resident at the University of Texas-Houston (2001). She earned her medical degree at Georgetown Medical School (1998) and a bachelor’s degree in biology at Hampton University in Virginia (1993).

El-Amin is board certified in family medicine and is a member of the National Medical Association, where she chaired the Women’s Health Section (2008 – 2019). She has been a community health advocate and activist. She is the proud mother of three daughters, who she affectionately calls her earth, wind, and fire.

She is presently a board member of the Community Foundation of the Land of Lincoln. Springfield YMCA, and Springfield Memorial Hospital and Foundation. She is the recipient of the SIUSOM J. Dorsey Teaching Award, Springfield chapter of N.A.A.C.P. Webster award, and was named one of the 2022 Women of Influence from the Springfield Business Journal.

She has a passion for addressing health disparities and inequities in healthcare.

Dr. Paul Frazier holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership, a Masters in Educational Mid-Management, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University. Dr. Frazier currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Previously, he served as the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the University of South Alabama. He has taught as an adjunct instructor at Texas Tech University, teaching both undergraduate and graduate level education courses. He served in public education for 24 years as the Executive Director of Student Administrative Services, a high school principal, middle school assistant principal, and alternative school assistant principal. He has also taught History and English on the high school and middle school levels, in addition to coaching several high school sports.

Dr. Frazier has served on various civic and community boards. He has served as a board member for the Carbondale Boys and Girls Club, SIH Patient and Family Advisory Council, Region 1 Disportionality Texas Statewide Representative for Child Protective Services, as a board member of the Lubbock American Diabetes Association, is a member of the American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity, is a member of Mobile United, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. He is a member of the Mobile Area 100 Black Men. He has previously served as a board member for the Texas Diversity Council and is board member for the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education.

In March 2021, Dr. Harris was named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's (SIUE) inaugural Vice Chancellor for Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her strategic vision includes operationalizing inclusive excellence at all levels of the institution to ensure an equity-minded and student-centered campus culture.

Prior to her current position, Harris served as Assistant Provost for Academic Equity and Inclusion Excellence. An accomplished teacher and scholar of 20th century African American History, she is also a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of History and formerly served as Director of the Black Studies Program at SIUE.

Dr. Harris serves on the board of several organizations, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Illinois State Archives and Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Boards, and the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. She is also chair of the Faculty Council for the Change, Create, Transform Foundation (CCTF), a 501(C)(3) based in New York. Dr. Harris is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Harris has earned awards including the St. Louis Business Journal's Champion for Diversity and Inclusion award, the Change, Create, Transform Foundation's Humanitarian Awards, the Metro Area Professional Organization's Distinguished Professor Achiever in Education Awards, the Dillard University 40 under 40 Awards, the SIUE Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award, and the SIUE Phenomenal Woman Award.

Harris earned both her PhD and Master of Arts in history from Cornell University and her Bachelor of Arts, also in history, from Dillard University.

Dr. Brian Durham is the Executive Director of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), holding that post since 2018.  He first joined the ICCB in 2003 and over the years has served in varying roles in the agency.  As the Executive Director, Dr. Durham works with his Board to provide coordination and oversight of the state’s 39 community college districts.  He also works in close partnership with Governor Pritzker’s Education Team, the Board of Higher Education, the State Board of Education, and members of the Illinois General Assembly, as well as the Council of Community College Presidents and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and other state and national organizations. Dr. Durham serves on a variety of Boards and Commissions, including the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, the state’s P-20 Council, the Governor’s Interagency Task Force on Homelessness, and as an ex officio member of the Illinois Green Economy Network, among others.  He also recently served on the Governor’s Commission on Workforce Equity and Access. Prior to his role as the Executive Director, he served as the agency’s Chief Academic Officer where he regularly interfaced with the system’s instructional leaders and faculty.  Overall, he brings over 23 years of experience to the education sector in Illinois.  He holds an Ed.D. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, an MA in Political Science from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a BA in Political Science from the University of Evansville. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Durham worked his way through college, including by serving as a member of the United States Army Reserves.  

Having worked in higher education for over 25 years, Dr. Dan Mahony has served in roles from professor to president. He is a respected, consultative leader who has demonstrated the ability to bring a community together around shared goals which is why he was chosen to be the 10th President of Southern Illinois University beginning in March 2020.

Originally from Clinton, New Jersey, Dr. Mahony earned a B.S. in accounting from Virginia Tech, an M.S. in sport management from West Virginia University, and a Ph.D. in sport management from Ohio State University. He and his wife Laura have two children, Gavin and Elena.

Before his academic career, Dr. Mahony worked in both public accounting and intercollegiate athletics. He is an active researcher in the areas of sport consumer behavior and intercollegiate athletics.

Dr. Mahony has received many awards for his work. Most recently, he was the 2020 recipient of the Charles Whitcomb Service Award given by the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) which recognizes individuals who foster diversity and inclusion within the intercollegiate athletics community. 

Dr. Leila E. Ellis-Nelson, a dedicated scholar in Clinical Psychology, holds a Doctorate from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP). She currently serves as the Director of Chicago State University’s Illinois Center for Education Equity. Dr. Ellis-Nelson spearheads the development of action plans, strategies, policies, and other resources aimed at fostering inclusivity within post-secondary institutions aimed at Black student access and success. Her expertise spans comprehensive institutional assessments, executive coaching, data analysis, group dialogues, and community collaborations.

Dr. Ellis-Nelson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Roosevelt University. Notably, she contributes to the university's Master’s and Doctoral programs admissions committees, influencing decisions crucial to student enrollment and progression.

Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Ellis-Nelson recently contributed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Test Optional Admissions work, synthesizing dialogue and delivering essential insights for decision-making, while also creating a report focused on Higher Education Cost Models. She co-developed a pivotal report, Inequities in Higher Ed: A Review of Key Issues & Equity-Centered Strategies, which evolved into a compelling podcast mini-series.

In acknowledgment of her commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Ellis-Nelson, alongside her collaborators, received the prestigious 2022 Catalyst Award in the Training & Professional Development category from educational partners, Blackboard and Anthology.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Ellis-Nelson serves as an advisory board member for the IFS Student Voice Committee through the Gates Foundation, championing student empowerment and advocacy. Her involvement as a joint investigator in the Raising Advocates Student Power research fellowship funded by IFS underscores her dedication to advancing student-centered initiatives.

Dr. Ellis-Nelson's unwavering dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusivity, coupled with her scholarly prowess, makes her a valuable asset to any collaborative endeavor aimed at fostering positive social change within educational institutions and beyond.

 Dr. Sheila Caldwell  currently serves as the Vice President of Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer for the Southern Illinois University System in Springfield, Illinois. She works across the campuses in Springfield, Carbondale, Edwardsville, and East St. Louis to strengthen equity and ensure a level playing field for all students, staff, and faculty members. During her tenure she has collaborated with SIU team members to develop a system-wide Land Acknowledgement Statement, Antiracism Vision Statement, Inclusion Language Guide, and conduct a system-wide campus climate survey. Prior to joining Southern Illinois University in July 2021, Dr. Caldwell served as the inaugural Chief Intercultural Engagement Officer for Wheaton College. She collaborated across the college to create the first Christ-Centered Diversity Commitment Statement, Flourishing for All Diversity Strategic Plan, and Gender Equity Vision Statement. During her tenure, she also implemented, expanded, and sustained faculty mentoring programs, inclusive hiring training, and employee strategic advisory councils for Asian, African American. and Latinx faculty and staff members.

Most recently, she has received notable awards for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The SIU System is the only system in the country to receive the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. She has been honored by the Quad County Urban League as a 2020 Women of Power Honoree and by SHE Chicago for Strong, Humble, and Empowering leadership. Caldwell earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Georgia. She completed Harvard Kennedy School Strategies for Building and Leading Diverse Organizations Executive Education program.

Ginger Ostro, Executive Director
Illinois Board of Higher Education

Ginger Ostro brings extensive policy and finance leadership to the Illinois Board of Higher Education. She previously served as interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Financial Operations at Chicago State University. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Executive Director at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and as Director of the Office of Budget Planning at Governors State University. Ginger served as Executive Director of Advance Illinois as it helped architect the successful effort to fix the nation’s least-equitable K12 funding formula. She played a lead role as budget director and CFO at Chicago Public Schools in developing and implementing a more equitable system of allocating funding across schools as well as managing the district’s $6 billion operating budget and the capital budget. Ginger also served in several roles in state government, including over six years at the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, where she rose to director.

Since joining IBHE in February 2020, she has led the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic; worked with other agencies and stakeholders to develop a strategic plan for Illinois higher education, A Thriving Illinois; and is currently working on multiple new initiatives, including the Illinois Commission on Equitable Public University Funding and the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity.

Ginger holds a BA in Politics, Economics, Rhetoric, and Law from the University of Chicago and a Master's in Public Policy, Health, and Human Services from Harvard's Kennedy School. She lives in Chicago.

Sookyung Suh

Dr. Sookyung Suh is a seasoned educator, coach, researcher, and change management practitioner with a passion for empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Currently serving as an assistant professor of Medical Education, Director of Organizational Change, Equity Transformation Strategist, and Director of the Accelerate Leadership Development Program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU SOM), Dr. Suh specializes in guiding organizational change and addressing human performance-related challenges.

With over ten years of experience in leading large-scale organizational changes at top management consulting firms before joining at SIU, Dr. Suh brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work. She holds a master's degree in Instructional Systems and Human Performance Technology and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems from Florida State University, as well as a Project Management Professional certification. Dr. Suh also completed an Executive Coaching diploma at Emory University and serves as a coach for SIU SOM faculty and staff. Outside of her professional life, she practices leadership development with her two daughters and enjoys creating natural skincare products.