Morolake (Laké) Laosebikan-Buggs started her duties this winter and offers critical assistance to Elon University and Elon Law’s strategic commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.
A college administrator with an accomplished record of championing graduate student success has joined the Elon University community as the inaugural director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education.
In addition to her presence at Elon Law, Morolake (Laké) Laosebikan-Buggs advocates for students in graduate programs on the main campus and in Research Triangle Park where the MBA program offers instruction.
The position offers critical assistance to Elon University and Elon Law’s strategic commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism as well as collective institutional support of the university’s growing population of graduate and professional students.
Buggs will be supported through her membership on the core team of Elon University’s Division of Inclusive Excellence, led by Vice President and Associate Provost for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams.
“I am thrilled to serve as the first director of inclusive excellence for graduate and professional education during these extraordinary times in our community, our nation and the world,” Buggs said. “I am most excited about the opportunities to ensure inclusivity in our graduate and professional programs as well as the opportunities to work collaboratively with various stakeholders – faculty, staff, and especially students as we strive toward excellence in diversity and inclusion.”
Buggs said her goals are to:
- engage closely with students to ensure a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment;
- collaborate with stakeholders to dismantle oppression that causes marginalization across social identities;
- and serve as a resource for anyone who wants to practice inclusive excellence.
“Inclusive excellence is a shared responsibility,” she said. “You don’t have to have DEI in your job title to champion inclusion and equity. You, your voice, and your actions are all extremely valuable.”
Buggs most recently served as the co-curricular initiatives administrator at UNC Greensboro where she also chaired the Student Affairs Graduate Professional Development Committee. Before arriving at UNCG, Buggs held roles in student activities, including the executive director of student activities and campus involvement at North Carolina A&T State University.
She has taught on the undergraduate and graduate levels, while presenting on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. Buggs earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Education Administration from the University of New Orleans.
“As the first Elon colleague devoted exclusively to supporting all graduate and professional students, Dr. Buggs has a unique opportunity to enhance success for our students of color, first generation students and other students from underrepresented communities, which concomitantly will serve to raise success for all of our students,” Elon Law Dean Luke Bierman said in announcing her new role at Elon Law. “Dr. Buggs is fully aware of and prepared for the challenges and opportunities at Elon with enthusiasm to work with students, faculty and staff on this important work.”