The Office of Equity and Inclusion is located on the second floor of the Drysdale Student Center, in Flynn Multicultural Center.
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.”
Cheree Johnson ’23
Administrative Assistant for the College of Health Sciences
Liaison for Staff for an Inclusive Community (SIC)
434.544.8970
holland.c@lynchburg.edu
Cheree Johnson has been part of the Hornet family for nearly 10 years. Before working in the College of Health Sciences, she served as the payroll coordinator for 8 years in the human resources department. She is a member of the African American Affinity Group, COHS DEI Committee, and is one of the advisors for Woman2Woman. Her work has earned her the Lois Daniel and Dawn Cloyd Office/Administrative/Technical Support Staff Recognition Award (2016-17) and the Unsung Hero Award (2017-18).
Amanda McGovern, JD
Title IX Coordinator/Compliance Officer
434.544.8482
titleix@lynchburg.edu
- JD — University of Virginia School of Law
- BA, Political Science — Virginia Tech
As Lynchburg’s Title IX coordinator, Amanda McGovern manages the University’s compliance with Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act and reports to the vice president for business and finance. She also manages related state and federal laws and regulations, including investigating and adjudicating cases and implementing prevention education and training programs.
Annette B. Stadtherr
Director of Multicultural Services
434.544.8338
stadtherr@lynchburg.edu
- BSBA, Management — Old Dominion University
As director of multicultural services in Flynn Multicultural Center, Annette Stadtherr is one of the team leaders under the vice president and dean for student development. She ensures multicultural students have a welcoming and successful experience at the University of Lynchburg.
Nyccol Benitez Contreras ’23
Student Diversity Liaison
Nyccol Benitez 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 Latino Student Association. 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.
Margaret Lamphier-Meier
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion
Graduate Student Advisor for the Student Diversity Council
- BA, Business — Sweet Briar College
Margaret Lamphier-Meier is a graduate student in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership program. She loves working with people and is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her skills include diversity presentations and programming. Among her hobbies: crafting, reading, dancing, and being outdoors. Margaret is thrilled to continue her educational and professional journey at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Claudio Otero III ’20
Graduate Assistant for Inclusive Excellence
Graduate Student Advisor for Man2Man
BS, Biology — University of Lynchburg
Claudio Otero is from Madison Heights, Virginia, but considers Lynchburg his home away from home. An aspiring biology teacher, Otero is pursuing a Master of Education in science education. In his free time, he loves nature walks, taking pictures, and playing basketball.
Seiya Nomura ’20
Programming Coordinator for the Office of Multicultural Services
BA, Communications with a Public Relations Emphasis — University of Lynchburg
Adrieanna Vest-Turner
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Multicultural Services
Graduate Student Advisor for Dimensions of Diversity
Graduate Student Advisor for Affinity Organizations
B.S., Health Sciences — Mary Baldwin University
