New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chair

By Darius Bradley, Communications Chair  

The MSU APA union has created a new committee in which our members can participate and become engaged. We currently have two Co-Chairs for this group, they are Elbony Hawkins and Jeremy Romel. I have conducted a short interview with them both. The last newsletter contained the interview with Elbony Hawkins, this month’s newsletter will include the interview with Jeremy Romel.  

If you are interested in being a part of this committee, please reach out to either chair at [email protected] or [email protected] . 

 Jeremy Romel – Co-Chair 

What department do you work in, and can you tell me a little bit about what you do?  

I work for (RHS) Residential Hospitality Services. I am a Unit HR coordinator who’s focus is on the hiring of students and on-call employees for the MSU Union Building and River Trail Neighborhood.  Some of the areas that I hire for are the Residence Hall front desk staff, Facilities team members for resident Hall and the MSU Union, Tour Guides, UAB, and clerical aides for different areas in both the Union and River Trail.  

How long have you been at MSU? 

I have worked for MSU for 15 years. 

Have you been a member of the APA the whole time?  

No, I started out as a APSA for 7 years and for the last 8 years I have been a member of the APA union.  

What drew you to wanting to be the chair for the new DEI committee? 

The opportunity to ensure all our members and community are represented and have a voice.  

What direction do you see the committee going in? 

I see our group offering resources for our members and allowing members to know there are safe places across campus to connect with people who share similar interest. Some areas our committee is starting to look at are LGBTQ rights, Racial injustices, Religious freedoms, and Working Parents, just to name a few. I  want our members to know they are not alone, all are welcome, and to be able to provide resources for those who want and or are searching out for it.   

Please share any other comments you may have regarding the new committee. 

We are just starting out so if you have ideas, please feel free to share your ideas for the committee to look into.