Dear Colleagues,

It is with great excitement and admiration that I share with you an important transition occurring within the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Ye “Solar” Hong, inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Northwest Technical College and Bemidji State University will be transitioning to The Ohio Northern University as their inaugural Chief Diversity Officer after serving for over three years with us. Dr. Hong started her service as Coordinator of the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in January of 2019. Since her time with us, Dr. Hong has engaged in a holistic model of praxis that centered students concerning the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism plus (DEIA+). She has developed, coordinated and implemented over 150 events for students. She has consulted with Minnesota State colleges and universities and Bemidji area leaders centering DEIA+. Through her practice, she has provided crucial training such as Diversity is Beautiful to professionals and students of our communities.

Dr. Hong’s final day with us will be Tuesday, July 26, 2022. I encourage you all to reach out to her as she approaches her transition time. It is a good time to reminisce, share contact information, and simply share space of encouragement.

As we continue to advance DEIA+ work at both institutions, we plan on hiring in this area. We are currently discussing our path forward. In the interim, please contact me if you have any questions. I may be reached at steven.parker@bemidjistate.edu and via phone 218.755.4121.

 

Rilee Michaelson (she/her/hers)
Sophomore. Major: Health and Physical Education.
Scheduling & Facility Management

This is Rilee’s first year working at the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, taking care of scheduling and facility management. Rilee comes from Park Rapids, MN and has loved the college experience so far, enjoying getting to know others. In high school, Rilee was a three-sport athlete and learned lots of life lessons along the way. Rilee is majoring in Health and Physical Education and is part of the BSU volleyball team. Outside of school, Rilee enjoys coaching others, being outside, and spending time with friends and family.

 

Josie Kyle (they/them/theirs)
Major: Mass Communication.
Event Operations

Josie is a third-year student at BSU, and is their first year working at the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a pre-professional staff for event operations. Josie moved to Bemidji between second and third grade and ever since they’ve been proud to call this community home. Their hobbies include music, art, and writing! Josie hopes to do their part in ensuring that BSU is a safe place for every student to grow and learn, no matter what their background is.

This is Madison’s second year working at the center, and she has loved all the experiences that she has had. Madison assists to manage the social media accounts for the Center and helps to create the graphics and posters for our Center. She is also a student-athlete on the volleyball team at BSU.