Nazareth is committed to confronting inherent privilege, power, and marginalization to achieve equity, social justice, and belonging for all — across a continuum of visible and invisible differences.
Student Experiences
Emma Theriot
"The things that (Culture, Community, and Belonging) stood for, like accessibility and like equity, those are things that really stood out to me about Naz."
"Ki" Rune
"Belonging to me means like a sense of being able to be vulnerable in a community with people and really feeling like you can be yourself.... Joining the clubs is a good way to feel that."
Zipporah Sparkman
"To me, belonging means the ability to be yourself completely without any fear of judgment.... I definitely feel a sense of belonging here at Nazareth."
Key Leaders
The commitment to equity is a university-wide mission. Multiple offices comprise the Culture, Community, and Belonging area, which also collaborates with departments and individuals across campus.
Wayne Hilson
VP, Culture, Community, and Belonging
Includes Office for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Education
“As leader of an area that collaborates across campus, I want to help ensure that we are creating the type of environment where any student, no matter where they ‘land,’ can develop strong roots and grow into the professional and person they want to be.” (Pictured at center)
Tonya Guzman
Director, Student Access and Achievement
“My goal is to provide safe spaces that allow students to be authentic, visible, and valued, as well as celebrate their diversity and uniqueness. I strive to support students in whatever area is needed. My role at times is a teacher, a counselor, or a friend, but always an advocate. The journey starts at Nazareth but the knowledge, connection, and memories for students last a lifetime.”
Nuala Boyle
Director for Equity and Access in Experiential Education
LifePrep@Naz Program Director
“It’s essential for all students to feel valued and know their contributions matter. I want any student I interact with to feel seen and heard. I strive to form lasting connections with all students where they feel supported and cared for during their time at Nazareth and beyond.”
Jamie Fazio
Director, Center for Spirituality
"We are members of a campus community where we serve as one another's teachers, learning from the beautiful array of diverse religious and spiritual practices. The Center for Spirituality offers safe, judgment-free, and welcoming spaces for individuals to grow in a deeper understanding of their true selves while learning about others. All are welcome!"
Heather Sourwine
Title IX Coordinator
“As human beings, we all thrive in environments where we can live and be our authentic selves. My goal is to help foster a community where individuals can work, learn, and grow without the fear of being discriminated against because of their identity.”
Initiatives
- Bias Response and Education Team (NBRET)
- Equitable Spaces: Courses to inspire and prepare changemakers
- Advocacy & Political Engagement (including NazVotes)
- LifePrep@Naz: Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in an on-campus fully integrated transitional program
Nazareth is among a select group of top colleges and universities across the country hand-picked to earn an Equity and Inclusion College of Distinction for its noteworthy support to underserved students who might not otherwise study and thrive on a college campus.