History of CREDE

  • Chairs, couch, TV, and bookshelf in the CREDE office.
  • Photo of the Wall of Fame at Elon University
  • Photo wall at the API Community Room.
  • Photo of El Centro logo on glass door of the El Centro space.

1992

A group of concerned students submitted a proposal to Dean of Students Ron Klepcyk and Provost Warren Board for the establishment of an African American Resource Room. The room was created in Chandler Residence Hall, funded by a grant from the United Church of Christ.

1993

Upon the recommendation of Provost Warren Board, the Board of Trustees established the Office of Minority Affairs. Its primary function was to develop and maintain supportive programs for the success and advancement of African American students. La’Tanya Richmond was hired as the founding director, holding joint appointments in both Multicultural Affairs and Admissions.

1994

The African American Resource Room relocated to the Moseley Center in December.

2002

While continuing to provide strong support for African American students, the African American Resource Room expanded its mission to serve an increasingly diverse student body and promote diversity education for all students. This expansion led to the establishment of the Multicultural Center in the Resource Room’s location, now including an office for the director.

That same year, the Multicultural Center’s programs were organized into three main categories: mentoring and support for diverse student populations, multicultural education, and scholarship programs. Signature initiatives included S.M.A.R.T. (Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent), the Watson & Odyssey Scholars Program, Spectrum (the campus gay-straight alliance), the Multicultural Leadership Roundtable, and D.E.E.P. (Diversity Emerging Education Program).

2008

L’Tanya Richmond left her role to accept a position at Smith College in Massachusetts, and Leon Williams became the second director of the Multicultural Center, serving until 2013.

2013

Melissa Jordan served as interim director of the Center for one year. Under her leadership, the university expanded its coordination of diversity and inclusion efforts, leading to a refined focus on race, ethnicity, and student diversity education within the Multicultural Center.

2014

El Centro de Español merged with the Multicultural Center to better align university efforts supporting underrepresented racial and ethnic communities.

Randy Williams was appointed as the Dean of Multicultural Affairs, and in the fall, the Center was renamed The Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education (CREDE) to more accurately reflect its role in the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

2016

Randy Williams was promoted to Associate Vice President for Campus Engagement, and Sylvia Muñoz served as Interim Director of the CREDE for the 2016-2017 academic year.

2017

Tyrone Jean was hired as Assistant Dean of Students & Director of the CREDE in the summer.

2021

Sylvia Muñoz was appointed Assistant Dean of Students & Director of the CREDE in October.