Recently, Rick Daniels, Ed.D hosted a campus-wide discussion at Oakton College on the impact of recent executive orders and their implications for our institution and community. This event was opened with remarks from President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., who reaffirmed Oakton’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting all students, faculty, and staff through evolving policy landscapes. Oakton's new Chief of Police, Aaron Wernick, and today's guest, Assisstant Professor of Political Science, Keith Simonds, also spoke at this event. In this episode, Dr. Daniels and Professor Simonds will discuss executive orders; what they are, how they've been used throughout history, and with a focus on their implications for education, immigration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guest: Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this brief episode, we want to share some encouragement with folks as DEI work is under attack once again, but we also want to take a moment to spotlight the holiday observances, as well as some Oakton College campus events for the month of February. We've got a full episode coming soon for Black History Month, so stay tuned!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, the goal is to foster an inclusive dialogue that highlights the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community at Oakton College. This episode will provide actionable insights for improving systems and fostering a culture that uplifts all individuals.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In our first episode of 2025, we check in with Brenda Cruz, the Coordinator for Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Oakton College about January Holiday Observances and what we can do to recognize, acknowlege and support these holidays and those who observe them.
Dr. Daniels then shares three points of encouragement to help navigate the uncertainty ahead of us, especially with regards to the work of DEI.
Finally, we wrap up the episode with a brief look at the episodes coming later this season that you definitely won't want to miss!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guest: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

As language continues to evolve, so do the ways we refer to our diverse identities. This episode will be an open dialogue about the terms "Latine" and "Latinx," how and why these terms are used, what we understand about them, and their broader implications in creating inclusive spaces, especially within institutions like ours. Let’s explore together how language intersects with identity and what steps we can take to foster inclusivity in our language moving forward. 


Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Producer: Erick Rohn, Faculty
Special Guests: Gabriel Chacon, Stephanie Herrera, and ANDALE Students Jorge Tercero, Omar Alanis, Sandy Cardoso

In this bonus episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with trusted colleagues and friends, Janeen Jackson and Will Crawford to have a candid conversation about how they innovate to keep their students engaged, how they accept feedback, criticism, praise and love, and then let the discussion develop organically. No agenda! Topics also include the upcoming election and the musicians considered for the 2025 Superbowl Halftime Show.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Directory of Institutional Equity and Inclusion

Guests: Janeen Jackson, Equity Coordinator for B.L.A.C.K. Student Success and

Will Crawford, Distinguished Professor of English

Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, we explore Oakton College’s major strategic plans that are shaping our future.
We delve into Vision 2030, Oakton’s overarching strategic plan to build just and thriving communities, and discuss the role of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM 2.0) plan in advancing our enrollment goals.
We’ll also highlight the college’s Strategic Equity Plan and its impact on student and employee outcomes.
President Joianne Smith, Dr. Ileo Lott, Dr. Jesse Ivory, and Dean Matt Huber Huber will join the show to share their insights and updates on Oakton’s key guiding documents.
Hosted by Dr. Rick Daniels
Produced by Erick Rohn

This episode will focus on a year-end wrap up where we cover some of the highlights of the 2023-2024 academic year, including how some of the events in the larger society have shaped the work we do.

Guest Panelists:
Johanna Fine, Human Resources
Prashant Shinde, Information Technology
Dr. Karl Brooks, Student Affairs
Dr. Rick Daniels, Facilitator