Office of Belonging and Community Engagement

The Office of Belonging and Community Engagement is committed to promoting an inclusive learning environment by enhancing college and community efforts to create a sense of belonging. It serves as a resource and advocate for the Jefferson community on various issues while promoting the success of all students through programs, services, and community partnerships that holistically address cultural, educational, and civic growth.

The goals of the Office of Belonging and Community Engagement are:

• Support minority and underrepresented student populations (e.g. students of color, LGBTQ-IA, women, international students, students with disabilities, and etc.) in their academic, personal and professional development
• Provide opportunities for all students, staff, faculty and community partners to increase their cultural competence
• Acknowledge and celebrate difference among ethnic and cultural groups on our campus.
• Build partnerships in the Louisville community to address achievement gaps, educational needs and challenges
• Foster an environment that supports exploration of various identities and intersections.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) recognizes that the quality of instruction and educational opportunities for all are enhanced when the diversity of the community served is represented in the student and workforce population. The KCTCS Office of Multicultural Affairs and the 16 diversity officers at each of the colleges are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) programs which promote diversity and remedy the underrepresentation of women and people of color.

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday

9 am-4:30 pm

OBACE Staff:

Tamara Russell, AVP, OBACE, tamara.russell@kctcs.edu 

Nathan Bird, Director, OBACE, nathan.bird@kctcs.edu 

Vay Bailey, Assistant Director, OBACE, vay.bailey@kctcs.edu

Christiana Onuoha, Asst. Director, International Student Support, christiana.onuoha@kctcs.edu 

Johni Ison, Assistant Director, HUB, jison0053@kctcs.edu 

Naranda Cloyd, Student Success Coordinator, HUB, naranda.cloyd@kctcs.edu 

Ruthie Hodge, Program Coordinator, Ready to Work, ruth.hodge@kctcs.edu 

Terra O'Nan, Program Coordinator, Ready to Work, terra.onan@kctcs.edu 

Ayesha Wordlow, Jefferson Campus kynector, awordlow0003@kctcs.edu 

Are you lactating? Need a space to pray? Visit the Multicultural Center for assistance.

The Multicultural Center is located on the Downtown Campus in the Chestnut Hall, Room B14