Dr. Sharon Perry Fantini, vice president for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Iowa State University, spoke with the Rotary Club of Ames on Monday, August 22, at the Iowa State University Alumni Center.
Dr. Perry Fantini, who came to Iowa State in January of this year, answered questions from Rotary Club members and shared her strategic vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at Iowa State.
“As a land-grant institution, Iowa State’s mission is grounded in having a campus that reflects the evolving diversity of our communities and society. Today, multicultural and international students represent nearly a quarter of Iowa State’s student body. Our students come from all 99 Iowa counties, all 50 states and more than 100 countries,” said Perry Fantini during her presentation. “This work is important at every step of the student life cycle. From the moment our students step on campus or enroll in an online course, they are engaging with our community and deserve to be respected and valued as they begin what will hopefully be a lifelong relationship with Iowa State.”
Following her remarks, the Rotary Club of Ames presented her with a book to sign as part of their collaboration with the Raising Readers in Story County program. The book, “It’s Okay to be Me” written by Sherry K. Kubalsky and illustrated by Natalia Starikova, will be given to a child at their two-year-old checkup.
Prior to her appointment at Iowa State, Dr. Perry Fantini served at Tiffin University in Ohio for 20 years. She began her career as a faculty member and became Tiffin University’s first Chief Diversity Officer before going on to serve as the Vice Provost for Equity, Access, and Opportunity as well as the Title IX and 504 Coordinator.
The Rotary Club of Ames meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. twice a month in-person at the Reiman Ballroom in the Iowa State University Alumni Center and holds online club meetings weekly. Learn more at rotaryclubofames.org.
The Rotary Club of Ames listening to Dr. Perry Fantini speak at a meeting on August 22, 2022.
Dr. Sharon Perry Fantini spoke to the Rotary Club of Ames on August 22, 2022.
Dr. Sharon Perry Fantini signed a children's book from the Rotary Club of Ames. The book will be given to a child at their two-year-old checkup.