Gauri A. Pitale she/her
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Phone: 309-794-7602
- Email: gauripitale@augustana.edu
- Office: Bahls Campus Leadership Center 101
Dr. Gauri A. Pitale is dedicated to cultivating a sense of belonging among all members of the 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. Dr. Pitale joined 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ in February 2024, following her role as associate dean of students for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Bridgewater 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@.
With more than a decade of teaching experience, Dr. Pitale has extensive expertise in DEI programming and advising student clubs and organizations. She previously served as an assistant professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Ivy Tech Community 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@, where she taught biology and physiology courses.
In her previous positions, Dr. Pitale chaired Bridgewater 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@'s Intercultural Advisory Council and was a member of the Teacher Education Program DEI Committee. As part of the Student Success and Retention Team at SIU, she contributed to a 30% increase in the retention of underrepresented students over two years.
"I am inspired to create spaces where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued — celebrating the rich tapestry of our diverse community." — Dr. Gauri A. Pitale
Recent initiatives:
- Facilitated trainings on "What is implicit bias and why does it matter," inclusive leadership, understanding differences, LGBTQ+ awareness and "the model minority myth"
- Active member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE), the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and the Society of South Asian Archaeology
- Dr. Gauri A. Pitale selected as 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@'s vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion
- 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ Bias Education and Support Team
More than a leader
Gallup strengths: Input, Learner, Individualization, Empathy, Connectedness
Dr. Pitale was born in Thane, India, and lived there until 2008 when she moved to the United States to pursue her doctoral degree. She is married and has a young daughter. Dr. Pitale's passions include reading fantasy fiction, watching Bollywood movies, cooking elaborate meals and exploring the art of embroidery.
Specializations: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Education
- Ph.D., Medical Anthropology, Southern Illinois University
- M.A., Biological Anthropology, Southern Illinois University
- M.A., Ancient Indian Culture, History, and Archaeology, Deccan 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ (Deemed University)
- B.A., Ancient Indian Culture, St. Xavier's 365体育投注_365体育备用网址@ (University of Mumbai)