Ariel Donohue has worked at Montana State University since 2009. In her role as program director of the Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons (DISC), she has shaped the ways in which MSU approaches issues of diversity and inclusion for all identities.  Five years after accepting leadership of the DISC (formerly the Diversity Awareness Office), thousands of MSU community members have been trained in Safe Zone best practices, hundreds have participated in Sustained Dialogue programs as well as an LGBTQ Mentors program, and the Lavender Celebration has become an annual MSU tradition. Her work with MSU’s administration has raised awareness of the need for sensitivity and inclusivity at every level, and the resulting policy improvements will affect generations of students. Donohue secured the 2014 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for MSU, has served as co-chair on the committee that created the MSU Diversity & Inclusion Framework, and serves on the President’s Commission on the Status of University Women as well as the Chosen Name committee.  She works tirelessly to make MSU more inclusive and welcoming and is truly committed to engaging the MSU community in a meaningful dialogue about advancing inclusion.

Ariel Donohue’s knowledge in the area of diversity and inclusion is extensive, and indeed, impressive.

Ariel Donohue

Photo: MSU Communications