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.