DRAFT Centers for Equity & Belonging Page
Welcome!
In 2025, the Center for Intercultural Development and the Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women combined into one entity, the Centers for Equity and Belonging (CEB). Students who participate in the multifaceted opportunities through CEB receive support that will enhance their academic success, social and professional connections, and ultimately their individual learning. Our team provides direction and support to core components of the success and implementation of initiatives for students enrolled across all three colleges: College for Women, College for Adults, and Graduate College, and is designed to help students move from day one to beyond graduation.
If you are looking for a place to be in community with others, expand your network, engage in your personal learning, a place to study, or simply have a tea or snack break between classes, we invite you to join us!
Our Staff
The Centers for Equity and Belonging team at the Black Excellence Celebration, spring of 2026. Keep scrolling to view our entire team.
As Dean for Equity and Belonging, Dr. Kenneth Cooper (he/him), provides strategic leadership for initiatives that advance student success, inclusive excellence, and campus belonging at St. Catherine University.
- Office: CdC 236
- Email: kjcooper336@stkate.edu
- Extension: 8639
Sonia Carroll (she/her) is the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs and Dean for Equity and Belonging. In partnership with the Deans, Sonia manages divisional and departmental projects, facilitates communications, and supports students and staff as a point-person for divisional resources.
- Office: CdC 233
- Email: secarroll458@stkate.edu
- Extension: 6778
St. Kate's alumna Maisah Blanton started her career as a Dean's administrative assistant and has now transitioned to the role of Equity and Belonging Coordinator, supporting students with intersecting marginalized identities (e.g., low-income, first-generation, persons with disability, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and more).
- Office: CdC 235
- Extension: 7746
- Email: mgblanton@stkate.edu
In addition to her role as Equity and Belonging Coordinator, Lydia Fasteland holds a seat on the University's Staff Council, is Co-Chair of the One Read for Racial Justice Initiative, and is the current Staff Advisor for the student newspaper, The Wheel. holds a seat on the University's Staff Council, is Co-Chair of the One Read for Racial Justice Initiative, and is the…
Kim Devlin serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for the university, supporting international students in maintaining their status and providing guidance on personal, social, visa-related, vocational, and academic matters.
- Office: CdC 234
- Extension: 7733
- Email: kadevlin505@stkate.edu
Our Mission
The Centers for Equity and Belonging offer a place for all students to meaningfully engage in community, empowering individual identity-based learning, social justice development, meaning-making, and networks of support. Although CEB is focused on serving women and those with intersecting marginalized identities, all are welcome to the space, programming, and events.
The five guiding values of the Center for Intercultural Development are:
- Personal Success
- Connections
- Social Justice
- Research-Based
- Well-Being
As part of the Centers for Equity and Belonging within the Office of Equity and Belonging, the Abigail Quigley McCarthy Center for Women empowers women to lead boldly and realize their intellectual and leadership potential to create lasting, impactful change in their communities and workplaces.
We do this by building community, integrating women’s scholarship across the curriculum and co-curriculum, offering grants and awards, driving change through research and action projects, facilitating difficult dialogues on race, class, and gender, and fostering networks and idea-sharing on women’s issues. Our approach is inclusive and welcomes people of all genders and backgrounds.
Scholarships
Over the past two years, the Centers for Equity and Belonging awarded more than $127,000 in scholarships and leadership opportunities that recognized students' leadership, service, and commitment to creating stronger communities. These investments helped students pursue their educational goals while expanding opportunities to lead both on campus and beyond.
Founded in 2020, this $10,000 scholarship supports Katies committed to confronting racial injustice and systemic inequality who are pursuing careers connected to this work.
This scholarship award was established to provide financial support for someone who gives to others. Judith Gorman Krieger ‘63 realized that in this busy life, people facing daily human struggles often need the gifts of time and compassion. The Krieger Scholarship recipient should be a giver, someone willing to share time with a family member, friend, or people in the community. The scholarship is to be a gift to allow that student more opportunity to share time with and show compassion to others.
A $15,000.00 tuition-based scholarship will be awarded to a recipient during the 2023-2024 academic year. A student may receive this award only once; scholarship money will be applied toward the recipient’s senior year at St. Catherine University. Application is open to students from any field of study seeking a baccalaureate degree in the St. Catherine University College for Women.
Eligible Krieger Scholarship applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Be willing to share time with a family member, a friend, or people in a community as defined by the applicant
- Have completed at least two semesters at St. Catherine University before applying for the award
- Have senior class status during the 2023-2024 academic year (92 or more credits) and be in good academic standing with St. Catherine University
- Be enrolled at St. Catherine University in the College for Women baccalaureate degree program, as at least a part-time student (6 credits per semester) during all or part of the 2023-2024 academic year
- Have no previous baccalaureate degree
- Expect to graduate in May or December 2024
The Phillips Family Foundation recognizes and rewards private college students from a variety of disciplines who strive to make life better for those with unmet needs. Students from Minnesota's 15 private colleges and universities are invited to apply to this unique program by submitting a proposed service project to benefit Minnesota communities. Applicants identify community concerns, explore ways to create social change, and develop ambitious programs that would meet various needs of communities.
To learn more and apply, click here.
The PLEN program prepares college women and students from marginalized gender groups for leadership through experiential seminars, mentorship, and access to professional networks. Students involved in the program receive stipends to enable their participation, and an average of 8 students participate each academic year.
Learn more about PLEN at https://plen.org/
Get Involved
The Centers for Equity and Belonging are on the second floor of the Coeur de Catherine in CdC 233 and 236. They host multiple events and programs, including Fun Fridays, the Peer Mentor Initiative, Twin Cities Immersive Experiences, Speaker Series, 5th Week Assessment, and much more. For more information, please check out the monthly Notes from the Deans newsletter, which contains timely information on events, programs, and other opportunities.
International Student Resources
We have many international student resources available, including obtaining a visa, an arrival checklist, maintaining full-time student status, employment opportunities, and on-campus activities for international students.
Gender-Inclusive Resources
Attending a university can be an exciting and daunting experience for those in unique status situations, and it often comes with its triumphs and challenges. Here are some resources for those whose legal immigration status may cause barriers to success.
Additional Identity-Based Student Organizations
Student organizations at St. Catherine University provide opportunities to engage and learn as students pursue their interests, identities, and passions with other students. Student organizations further enhance the academic experience by providing additional engagement opportunities and resource access.
Queer Student Services
Through student advocacy with staff support, the Queer Student Lounge launched in Fall 2023 and is located in LIB 148. Explore a safe and inclusive space tailored for queer students, offering support, resources, and community engagement. This is a space driven by students. Its mission is to provide a safe space for LGBTQIA2S+ students to be in community through studying, socializing, and participating in activities and events.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
All student clubs and organizations recognized by the University are open to all students at St. Kate's regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, ability, veteran status, and all other protected classes of identity. Additionally, all offices and resources at St. Catherine University provides support and services to all students, faculty, and staff. All are welcome!
Student Affairs, Equity, and Belonging Events
