The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is located on the second floor of the Drysdale Student Center, in suite 221.
Office of Equity and Inclusion
1501 Lakeside Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Robert L. Canida II, PhD
Vice President for Inclusive Excellence
434.544.8540
canida_rl@lynchburg.edu
- PhD, Leadership Studies — North Carolina A&T State University
- MSLS, Library Science — University of Kentucky
- BA, Political Science — Xavier University
Before coming to the University of Lynchburg, Dr. Robert L. Canida II spent two decades serving the University of North Carolina System’s most diverse campus, UNC-Pembroke, through multicultural programs, student dialogues, and activities. The former director of diversity and inclusion at UNC-Pembroke, he is well-published and a frequent speaker at conferences, including the Southern Association for College Student Affairs and the Black Doctoral Network Conference. He also has extensive teaching and advising experience. In 2017, Canida received the Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award, given annually to a UNC-Pembroke staff member for showing “exemplary understanding, empathy, and devotion to mankind.”
Bosco Bae, PhD
Visiting Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
Director for Student Diversity and Belonging
- PhD, Interdisciplinary Study of Religion — University of Durham
- MA, Philosophy — University of Amsterdam
- BA, Anthropology — University of Utah
- BA, Philosophy and Psychology — Boston University
Dr. Bosco B. Bae joins the Office of Equity and Inclusion to support diversity and belonging initiatives for students. He will coordinate and deliver cross-cultural programs that support the University’s strategic plan. Bae is currently a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at the University and a research associate with the Centre for Mediation in Africa.
Jennifer Reichard
Executive Assistant
434.544.8822
reichard_jm@lynchburg.edu
Jennifer Reichard has over 25 years of experience in higher education at three different universities. Before coming to the University of Lynchburg, she worked as a secretary in the international student and scholar services office at the State University of New York. There, she helped students from all over the world with the admissions process and when they arrived on campus. Reichard is glad to be a part of the University of Lynchburg community and looks forward to working with you. Her top priority is seeing students be successful and enjoy their University experience.
Nyccol Contreras ’23Student Diversity Liaison
Nyccol Contreras was born in Honduras, Central America, but is currently a resident of Sterling, Virginia. She is majoring in criminology with a minor in criminal forensics. Contreras is part of the executive board of the Hispanic Student Society and is the current president of the Student Diversity Council. Her first year at Lynchburg, she lived in the Dimensions of Diversity residential learning community. In her spare time, she paints, draws, and plays guitar. As a Student Diversity Liaison, Contreras said she is excited to be part of a positive change.
Parker Manley ’25
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion
Project Manager for CHAMPS (Collaborative and Holistic Academic Mentoring for Peer Success)
BA, Psychology — Queens University of Charlotte
Parker Manley was born and raised outside of Charlotte, N.C. He completed his undergraduate degree at Queens University of Charlotte, where he was introduced to a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs that expanded his thinking and exposed him to the importance of diversity and inclusion. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and hopes to provide therapy and counseling services to young adults.
Emmanuel Hernandez Mellado ’23
Student Diversity Liaison
Emmanuel Hernandez Mellado came to the University from Winston Salem, North Carolina, and is majoring in political science with a minor in history. As a first generation college student, Hernandez Mellado participated in the Summer Transition Program and lived in the Dimensions of Diversity residential learning community. He is a member of the Student Government Association Senate, a Connections Leader, and a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Hernandez Mellado represented the University of Lynchburg at the University of South Carolina’s Student Leadership and Diversity Conference in February 2020 which sparked his interest in being a SDL.
Empris Smith ’24
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion
BS, Exercise Science — North Carolina Wesleyan College
Empris Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was raised by a Puerto Rican mother and an African American father. Since she grew up in a biracial household, she was exposed to different cultures growing up. In undergrad, Empris had the opportunity to go to a multicultural institution. While there, she was able to work with and cheer alongside athletes from different cultures. While working with athletes from different backgrounds, she was able to adapt and learn how to help them better. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Athletic Training at Lynchburg. She hopes to use this degree to show people who look like her that they can do anything they put their mind to. In her free time, she loves to read books, go to the gym, and cook.
