Campus Diversity & Inclusion
Andrew “Dru” Alvez
Assistant Director of Intercultural Affairs
Andrew “Dru” Alvez is responsible for the success and well-being of students of color and marginalized communities by helping to create an environment where all students understand their identity and those of others. This position reports to the assistant dean for intercultural Affairs. As a member of Union’s residence life staff, Dru started Bridges, an innovative one-on-one mentoring program to support first-generation college students. He holds a B.A. and M.A. from the State University of New York, Potsdam.
Christa Grant
Assistant Dean for Intercultural Affairs
Christa Grant is responsible for all aspects of student affairs programming aimed at fostering a community of diversity and inclusion. This position reports to the vice president for student affairs. She believes in the importance of engaging in courageous conversations in the pursuit of social justice and inclusion. Before joining Union in 2019, she was at Siena College for 11 years as residence director and director of the Damietta Cross-Cultural Center. She holds a B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo and M.A. from the College of Saint Rose. She is a doctoral student at Northeastern University.
Deidre Hill-Butler
Associate Professor of Sociology
Prof. Hill-Butler is responsible for leading efforts in academic affairs to promote greater diversity, equity and inclusion. This position reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. She is an associate professor of sociology who research areas encompass African American culture and African American women’s representations in society. She was awarded the 2011 Leadership Council on Inclusion Award (LCI) for her dedication to the College mission and her work on diversity and inclusion. She holds a B.A. from Oberlin College, M.A. from Cornell University, and Ph.D. from Clark University.
Mary Simeoli
Interim Director of Equal Opportunity
Mary Simeoli, the Title IX coordinator for Union College, also has the role of Interim Director of Equal Opportunity, responsible for fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of the community in compliance with federal law. This position reports to the chief of staff in the president’s office. Before coming to Union, she was a Title IX coordinator at Springfield College and a special victims prosecutor. She graduated from Western New England University School of Law with a Public Interest Practice concentration with a focus in higher education.
