Lamont A. Sellers has been named director of intercultural student affairs at Appalachian State University. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Lamont A. Sellers has been named director of intercultural student affairs at Appalachian State University. He began his new role July 1.
Part of the Division of Student Affairs, Appalachian’s Intercultural Student Affairs (ISA) office provides mentoring, advocacy, community and identity affirmation for marginalized and underrepresented students. The office also offers opportunities such as the Diversity Lecture Series, Equity in Action conference, MLK Celebration and other events so that all Appalachian students can develop an appreciation for diversity and different perspectives, enhance their self-awareness, increase their multicultural knowledge and strengthen their intercultural competency.
Previously, Sellers was associate vice president for diversity at the University of South Dakota, where he led strategic diversity initiatives, policy and programs toward inclusive excellence and collaborated with other university units to develop and implement policies and training programs that promoted recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty and staff.
“We are excited to welcome Lamont to Appalachian and the Division of Student Affairs. Lamont brings a wealth of experience to our campus and community, and we are excited to have him as a part of our team,” said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs J.J. Brown.
“I am particularly excited about his skills in continuing to develop programs and services to help our students thrive. His experience in creating opportunities for leadership development, intergroup dialogue and enhanced teaching and learning will help our campus community in many ways,” Brown said.
Sellers describes himself as a student-centered, social justice educator. “I am excited to join App State and work with the amazing ISA team of professional staff members and students,” Sellers said.
By providing support, advocacy and leadership in ISA, Sellers said he is “committed to approaching each day with the passion to see our students thrive and succeed in a way that is culturally responsive and supportive of their diverse identities. Each of them comes to us with an amazing array of gifts, talents and abilities, and I’m humbled to assist them in the process of discovery and cultivation.”
Sellers earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Shaw University in Raleigh and taught high school mathematics before completing a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Denver and beginning his career in higher education.
He held positions related to diversity and inclusion and student support services at the University of Denver, Misericordia University and Regent University before joining the University of South Dakota in 2014. Prior to becoming the University of South Dakota’s senior diversity officer, he served as director of the university’s Center for Diversity and Community.
Sellers is completing his Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from the University of South Dakota.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at https://studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
