Fifi O’Reilly
Reporter
Photo courtesy of Mississippi University for Women’s university relations
Almost four months ago, Matthew Miles became Mississippi University for Women’s new dean of students, but he is already making an impact on student and campus life.
Miles serves two roles for The W — the dean of students and the chief diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer. Both jobs are important to The W’s social and educational outreach on and off campus.
The two jobs are more alike than they may seem, and Miles says this is because both are based on advocacy. Miles is a line of connection between The W’s faculty and staff to students, helping make their voices known on issues, concerns or any other affairs within campus life.
“Being chief DEI officer kind of tied into both being in advocacy as well,” Miles said. “It’s being able to think about our policies and equitable, inclusive language.”
DEI has become somewhat of a controversial topic in the United States. Some call for these programs to be limited or completely eliminated in school and business settings. However, its controversy brings up real issues that may be uncomfortable to face sometimes.
Miles sees his role as chief DEI officer as a way to help give attention or a voice to those who have been silenced. He also sees it as a way to be more self-aware and create a safe space environment where everyone is heard.
While The W has a diverse population, there is always a need for outreach if someone faces discrimination on campus. Part of Miles’ job is making sure there is a way for concerns or events to be told and investigated. His division can help students facing these problems, and they are encouraged to fill out a reporting form that can be found at www.muw.edu/reporting/.
Miles wants to bridge connections with students, faculty and staff here at The W, and that seems to be one of his biggest goals. He has been active in attending on-campus events, being seen in social media posts from The W and making a point to greet students with a handshake and get to know their names.
“I want to bring students relationship building,” Miles said. “So that students feel like they have a connection to upper staff.”
Alongside building these relationship bridges, Miles wants to make the student experience known and better. He wants to offer students chances to develop leadership, digital literacy and wellness so that they can further succeed in school and life.
Miles has his own experiences as a student, and those experiences and memories help make his goals more personal and relatable to the everyday student here at The W.
Settling down at The W has shown Miles small-campus charm by introducing him to a more personal student body and faculty to work alongside through both the fun and serious work. But Miles said he has always had school pride, and The W’s unique events such as senior serenade or the mag chain ceremony set The W apart from other campuses he has experienced.
The W is a new place in more ways than one for Miles, but he is excited about how he can experience what life has to offer while also helping students.