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.”
Matt Johnston
Director for Student Diversity and Belonging
434.544.8471
johnston_m1@lynchburg.edu
- MAML, Organizational Leadership — Liberty University
- BS, Interdisciplinary Studies — Liberty University
Before coming to the University of Lynchburg, Matt spent two decades working at various institutions of higher education and higher education consulting services. He was most recently at Blackboard Inc., where he served as a client manager for Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts & Science, and Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies. He also has extensive workshop, consulting, and advising experience.
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.
Dai’Dieon Kyleik ’23
Student Diversity Liaison
Dai’Dieon Kyleik is a Lynchburg native and is majoring in political science. No stranger to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work, Kyleik started Lynchburg Students RISE, a student-led organization that strived to create inclusive environments and systemic equity as a freshman in high school. He also attended several trainings, seminars, and lectures on equity, inclusion, and diversity through places like the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and the National Student Leadership Conference at Georgetown University.
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.
Irene Noudjigoto ’23
Student Diversity Liaison
Irene Noudjigoto is from Chapel Hill, N.C., where she served as the International Club’s President. A graphic design major and sport management minor, she values the importance of being different and embracing differences. Her goal for diversity and inclusion is to make any environment that she engages with as a beautiful mosaic. Noudjigoto enjoys soccer, basketball and softball, and believes the balance to a happy life is a good diet, any type of exercise and a way to express yourself.
Christian Otero ’23, ’26 MEd
Graduate Assistant for the Office of Equity and Inclusion
CHAMPS Project Manager
- BA, Psychology – University of Lynchburg
Christian Otero was born in Madison Heights, Va. He completed his undergraduate degree in May of 2023 majoring in psychology. During his time as an undergrad he worked as a peer mentor, helping first-year students find a sense of belonging on campus. He also various student organizations — including the NAACP, the Student Diversity Council, and the Black Student Association — to help reach out with other students and further spread the message of diversity, equity and inclusion on campus. He is now pursuing a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and hopes to work with aiding adolescents in improving their mental health.
Alexis Scott ’24 MSW
Office of Equity and Inclusion Intern
(she/her/hers)
- BA, Criminology and minor in Animal Science — North Carolina State University
Alexis Scott was born and raised in Laurinburg, N.C. She completed her undergraduate degree at North Carolina State University, where she grew her passion for social justice and equity. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work and hopes to use this degree to obtain a macro-level social work position that will allow her to make a meaningful change in the world. She has experience with office administration, training service dogs, fundraising, and teaching. She enjoys being outdoors, working with youth, self-development, and traveling.
