Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Dragon Stories

The GRIT Program at MSU Moorhead has been honored with the inaugural Devinder Malhotra Equity Award for its outstanding efforts in promoting student success and closing educational equity gaps. The award recognizes the program’s collaborative approach involving various departments and its significant impact on helping students of color, Pell-eligible, and first-generation students thrive in their college careers.

President Downs shares a message celebrating FM Pride week with the campus community.

Angele, Priscille and Elkana Munganga chose MSU Moorhead for its academic level and international community.

Luzmary Diaz Castillo shares why she loves to be an MSUM Dragon.

Gricel Escobedo-Kingwell will address her fellow graduates at MSUM’s 2024 commencement ceremony, sharing her story of grit, growth, and gratitude.

Social work student, Myrla Villa received the Sanford Health Equity in Education Scholarship for $5,000. As a home dialysis unit secretary for Sanford, Myrla’s heart for others shines in her interactions with patients and staff.

Kara Gravley-Stack speaks about being MSUM's Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator and how she ensures a safe campus for students.

MSUM’s equity gap led Associate Professor of Educational Leadership Dr. Caitlin Johnson to request and receive funding to conduct a wellness survey of Native American students on campus. Thanks to a team of Native American student researchers organized by Dr. Johnson, the survey was conducted in the fall semester of 2023.

Jered Pigeon, Director of MSUM’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, was awarded a Minnesota Office of Higher Education grant to help students like Varoon Khalil shine in higher education.

Student leaders of Student Council for Exceptional Children experience diversity outside of the classroom during volunteer opportunities and events.

Joseph Lewis’s journey from Liberia, West Africa, to the Minnesota State University Moorhead campus to the corridors of Yale University demonstrates his academic prowess and achievement.

Freshman Megan Overly traveled from Kansas to attend MSU Moorhead. She was drawn to MSUM's perfect size, quality education, and affordability for out-of-state students.