The Division of Community and Belonging (CB) develops and sustains an inclusive, culturally-competent community where all members, regardless of identity, can thrive, flourish, and succeed. Our work intentionally engages, uplifts, and celebrates all students, faculty, and staff at St. Olaf College. Central to our mission is to be part of a culturally humble and globally engaged community that fosters in our students a sense of interconnectedness and dedication to the common good.
On August 1, 2024, Eduardo Pazos Palma became the Vice President for Community and Belonging of St. Olaf College. Eduardo brings a dynamic and diverse range of expertise and experience to the role that aligns with the mission of the college. He has developed a high level of cultural competency by working both within and outside of higher education. His most recent role was serving as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Identity and Culture as well as the Director of the Center for Multicultural Life at Bowdoin College. His first role at Bowdoin was serving as the Director of the Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, where he focused on nurturing religious and spiritual diversity and community. Earlier in his career, Eduardo worked with immigrant families in Texas as a pastor and chaplain, where he led a Spanish-speaking ministry and counseled students and parents in moments of crisis.
Eduardo earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston Baptist College and a master’s degree in religion from Yale University. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in leadership and organizational management from the University of Southern Maine. He also holds certifications in building a diverse workforce from Cornell University and mental health first aid from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Community and Belonging Survey
Let’s reach our goal of 70% completion and unlock community prizes along the way.
WHILE WE HAVE SEEN SUCCESS IN DIVERSIFYING OUR CAMPUS …
2019: 20% of students were BIPOC | 2024: 23% of students are BIPOC*
*10th Day Fall Census
2019: 13% of faculty and staff were BIPOC | 2024: 17% of faculty and staff are BIPOC*
*IPEDS-HR Reporting
… WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO SO THAT EVERYONE FEELS THAT THEY ARE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY
70% of first-year BIPOC students compared to 79% of
all first-years …*
65% of senior BIPOC students compared to 79% of all seniors …*
… agree or strongly agree that they feel like part of the community.
*Data from the 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement
diversity, equity, and inclusion dashboards ➤
To see more data about diversity, equity, and inclusion please visit the DEI Dashboards linked above.
DEVELOP AN INCLUSIVE,
CULTURALLY
COMPETENT COMMUNITY
INTENTIONALLY
ENGAGE AND UPLIFT
ALL TYPES OF
DIVERSITY
ENSURE SUPPORT FOR
STAFF, FACULTY,
AND STUDENTS
IDENTIFY AND REVISE
POLICIES, PROCESSES, & PRACTICES
THAT PRESENT BARRIERS
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