Limestone University has named alumna Selena Blair as its new Director of Equity and Inclusion.
Although Blair just started her role in May of this year, she has already made strides toward furthering the institution’s commitment to inclusivity.
The Equity and Inclusion Office, formally Accessibility Services, will continue providing services to students with disabilities through Accessible Education and the Learning Enrichment and Advancement Program. As part of its restructuring, the office also supports historically underrepresented students, including those who identify as first-generation, international, or low-income.
As the Director, Blair will foster strategies designed to increase campus engagement with a concentration on program development, campus involvement, leadership development, and career development. She will facilitate the continuing growth of comprehensive educational outreach that will advance Limestone’s commitment to inclusivity and ensure equal access to programs and activities.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to be at my Alma Mater to serve in this capacity,” Blair said. “As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of making sure everyone, regardless of how they choose to identify, feels welcomed, valued, respected, heard, and included. It’s an exciting time to be a Saint and I am looking forward to what the future has in store.”
Prior to her position at Limestone, Blair was the Director of TRiO Support Services for 12 years at the University of South Carolina Upstate and Greenville Technical College, where, among other accomplishments, she worked at the state, regional, and national levels to further philanthropic endeavors as well as advocating for policy changes and increased funding to benefit low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities. She was the first person elected from the state of South Carolina to serve as President of the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel and served on the National Board of Directors for the Council of Opportunity in Education. Blair has also served as an Assistant Director of Financial Aid and an Adjunct Professor. She is an experienced grant writer, consultant, and presenter.
“We are dedicated to providing inclusive communities throughout our campus and are fortunate to have Selena join our team,” said Limestone’s Dean of Student Success Stacey Mason. “Selena’s passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds will continue to strengthen our commitment to providing accessible education and equitable services to all Limestone students.”
Blair holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Limestone. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Professional Leadership from Converse College.