PSU hires Student Diversity Programs director

Leslye Steptoe has been hired as the new director of Student Diversity Programs at Pittsburg State University, Dr. William Ivy, dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success, announced this week.

In the newly developed role, Steptoe will be charged with developing programs to create an inclusive environment on the PSU campus for students of diverse backgrounds to help them succeed and graduate. She will work closely with the Office of Admission in recruitment activities as well as with the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Campus Life, the academic colleges and faculty members in her retention efforts.

“The goal is not just to get them here but to keep them here,” said Steptoe, who originally hails from Alton, Ill. “I really do believe education is the great equalizer, and it should be open to all people. I’m excited by the opportunities this new job presents. I understand some of the obstacles first-generation minority students face because I’ve been there myself.”

Steptoe earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology with a minor in education from the University of Alaska in Anchorage in 1997. She received a master’s degree in sociology from Southern Illinois University in 1998. She will finish her Ph.D. in educational foundations policy and practice from the University of Colorado in Boulder this year.

Prior to accepting her new position, Steptoe worked as a tutor coordinator for the Office of Diversity and Outreach at the University of California in San Diego. She also worked as a retention and academic advisor at Washington University in St. Louis before taking a position in equity and diversity outreach with the School of Education at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

“Leslye brings a great combination of skills and experiences to this position,” Ivy said. “She has an engaging personality and will no doubt relate well to students and faculty. I think she is just the person we need to advance our diversity initiatives.”

Steptoe can be reached at lsteptoe@pittstate.edu.

---Pitt State---