D r. Michael Snowden has big plans in the works for diversity, equity and inclusion at Georgia College & State University. 

Snowden began serving as Georgia College’s new chief diversity officer in July. He feels honored and privileged to have been selected to spearhead the vital work of inclusion and belonging within the university community.

“Inclusion signifies granting individuals a seat at the table while belonging affirms their rightful place in that very space,” Snowden said. “My commitment lies in empowering marginalized groups and guiding the majority through the ever-evolving landscape.”

Georgia College President Cathy Cox welcomed Snowden to campus saying he “joined our university’s leadership team at a time when we recently welcomed the largest and one of the most diverse first-year classes we have had in years. GCSU will benefit greatly from his passion and deep experience in this field and his willingness to share that knowledge across our campus.”

Snowden’s professional journey began at the University of Minnesota Morris, where he was an educational and Gateway Program coordinator, providing students of color the tools they need to excel in college.

He was also chief diversity and Title IX officer for McNeese State University, where he was selected for the University of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute. He served as director of Multicultural Affairs at Armstrong Atlantic State University, as well.

Snowden most recently served as vice president of Inclusion and Diversity at Northwestern State University. He developed a strategic plan and provided coaching seminars there for diversity, equity and inclusivity as part of the Northwestern Inclusive Coaching Seminar Series. He was also a keynote speaker at many high-impact events. 

Snowden enjoys public speaking. He belonged to Toastmaster’s International, a public speaking club, where he served as president. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame invited him to be the Juneteenth keynote speaker in 2022. He spoke during Black History celebrations, for the City of Lake Charles on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and on how to be an overnight success during the Black Male Summit for the University of Louisiana system.

In all his speaking appearances, one thing is constant. Snowden strives to be an information liaison for the public.

“I hope to provide inspiration and guidance and be a person the audience can relate to,” he said. “It's about shining a light on things many people may not know about. I emphasize things that people seek to expand their knowledge base on.” 

To complement other DEI programs Georgia College has in place, like Making Excellence Inclusive Day, Snowden recently started a birthday initiative geared toward student engagement. Each month, he and his staff recognize the birthdays of first-year students.

“One of the things we often leave behind in an inclusive space is focusing on the majority of students,” Snowden said. “We want everyone to know they're welcome and included in the work we do as we move the institution forward.” 

He envisions Georgia College as a welcoming, inclusive campus where everyone can be their authentic self. This vision includes balancing student diversity numbers and bringing African American and Latino Hispanic numbers up. He began doing this by connecting with Georgia College Early College students.

“That's a big step toward letting that student population know they have a home here,” Snowden said. “All they have to do is matriculate.”

He appreciates Dr. Veronica Womack, Dr. Carolyn Dennard and Dr. Jennifer Graham, who previously served in this role and put DEI programs into place. He aims to further their work by incorporating new concepts that benefit the campus and community.

“I’d like to continue connecting the community to what we do here on campus,” Snowden said. “When people speak highly of the university in the community, you just don't know the impact that can have on how people feel when they arrive on this campus.”

He feels his staff—Jennifer Cash Birch, education outreach and training coordinator and Shelia Gray, office coordinator—do an outstanding job.

“They really make what I do here special,” Snowden said.

He plans to bring DEI to the forefront at Georgia College. After 25 years of working in this area, he’s beginning to see the national demographics shifting.

“To be a competitive institution, we need to tap into new markets, particularly in Black and Brown communities,” Snowden said. “However, we also want to continue instilling our liberal arts educational foundation. Diversity, equity and inclusion speak to our liberal arts message—someone who’s a critical thinker, lifelong learner and aspires to be a global citizen.”

“In DEI, there are always tough conversations that need to be had. As far as DEI has come in the last 30 or 40 years, there's still a ways to go,” he said. “Considering all our work, there's still disproportionate, underrepresented folks—particularly in leadership on college campuses of predominately-white institutions.”

Snowden is ready to take on the challenge.

He most looks forward to establishing a legacy and being a community partner—someone people can call to get their questions answered. He constantly strives to be transparent in this work and to provide a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Snowden recognizes the immeasurable value of this role.

“Embracing change entails embracing the principles of inclusion and belonging,” he said, “for these are not just ideals but essential to our survival on this planet.”