In early May, SFCC welcomed Francisco Salinas to serve as its first ever Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Salinas began his studies at the University of Washington in 1987 where he earned a bachelor’s then a master’s degree in political science with an emphasis on African-American and Chicano political theory. From his first position as an adjunct professor at Yakima Community College in 1995 to his most recent as the vice president to the director of equity initiatives at Boise State University, (and a brief stint at Spokane Community College in the early 2000s) Salinas has cultivated knowledge and skills that he is poised to implement in his new role on the Falls’ campus.

“I have a long career now, doing stuff that is essentially oriented with the growth and success of underrepresented populations in higher education,” said Salinas. “It is a passion of mine.”

The new position was created out of a desire to rethink how academia tackles the subject of inclusion and equity for diverse student populations. Prior to the Dean position, those topics were handled in part by the Director of Student Development, Diversity, and Equity.

“When that person resigned, we took the time to review our EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) needs and reorganized the position to provide institutional leadership and coordination for EDI and professional development, as well as to lead our Strategic Equity Plan,” said SFCC president, Kimberlee Messina.

In that new role, Salinas will have the opportunity to take a look at the current culture surrounding diversity and inclusion on campus with an emphasis on addressing systems that have historically left some student demographics struggling to find their place. He came to SFCC with a thorough understanding of such issues and has witnessed the shifting dynamics of such issues over his career.

“The implicit biases have an effect to essentially exclude students,” Salinas said. “We recognize that it’s not about whether the student can make it, but if the system can serve those students effectively.”

Tackling such a complex and varied topic is no small task, but Salinas will not have to do it alone. He will work closely with faculty, staff, and students to create an all-encompassing plan of action to affect positive change.

“This new dean will also partner with our Center for Teaching and Learning to provide learning opportunities for our faculty and staff so we are providing a culturally responsive teaching and learning environment,” said Cynthia Vigil, Dean of Student Support Services . Because Francisco has extensive experience working with students, I think we will see more equity, diversity, and inclusion programming and events so that our students have many opportunities to learn together and from one another.”

With the support and buy-in of a wide array of departments, it is safe to say that Salinas’ arrival has been much anticipated. He hopes to get more feedback from faculty and students especially as he gets settled into his new role. One of his first acts was to send out a survey to students to give them a chance to share their experiences on campus. He hopes to use those results to then create long-lasting changes on campus.

“I would hope, you know, a student, just a general average student from this year compared to a general average student in five years will recognize that we are poised more to express how much we are an inclusive campus, how much we celebrate the diversity of our population and how much we are committed to creating equity in all outcomes,” Salinas said.

He also wanted to emphasize how he views his role and the role of the student body in the future of his work. 

“Students are where the rubber hits the road in higher education,” said Salinas. 

As he gets more settled into his new role and new office, Salinas plans to meet as many students and staff as he can to get a feel for the unique culture and subsequent needs of SFCC. He also plans to get another chair or two in his sparse office. 

And as for his thoughts on Spokane and the Falls.

“I couldn’t ask for a better setting,” said Salinas.