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.
Cory Schutter
Staff Liaison for an Inclusive Campus
Cory Schutter is the Community Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Community Engagement, working to support the University of Lynchburg’s core community values both on and off campus. Cory has a background in strategic communications for nonprofits, volunteer management, and campus civic engagement.
Charles Johnson ’25 MEd
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion (Student Diversity and Belonging)
BA, Criminology and Criminal Justice — Virginia Union University
Charles Johnson was born and raised in Neptune, N.J. He completed his undergraduate degree at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Va., where he was immersed in African American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. He is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Science Education (MEd) and developing a career in environmental education to promote interactions between human systems and natural systems. Charles currently teaches physical, biological, and informational sciences to help communities realize the benefits of a healthy environment with the James River Association.
Parker Manley ’25 MEd
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 Master of Education 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, N.C., 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.
