Jennifer Gutierrez, Wofford’s new director of diversity and inclusion, knows she’s in the right place.

“There’s still lots of work to do at Wofford, but the college’s new strategic vision sets Wofford apart,” she says. “It makes diversity and inclusion a priority in our community. Wofford is definitely moving in the right direction.”

As evidence from the Fall semester, Gutierrez cites the popularity of the multicultural tailgate during Homecoming, the energy and enthusiasm generated by the Black Alumni Summit and the Black Student Alliance that came from that meeting, the development of a new diversity taskforce as well as collaborative efforts to get more students of color to enroll at Wofford.

“We’ve picked up momentum and feel very supported by the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and students,” says Gutierrez. “Now we need to work on building structure and consistency while maintaining enthusiasm.”

Gutierrez received her undergraduate degree in sociology with a legal studies concentration and a minor in political science from Bucknell University where she served as president of the Rho Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She earned a master’s degree from the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania and was awarded the university’s Women of Color Graduate Student Award. Gutierrez first learned about Wofford from friends in 2010. She grew fonder of Wofford while studying abroad in Nicaragua with Wofford students Phillip ’11 and Amber Green Long ’11 and has been a Terrier fan ever since. 

Now in her first few months at Wofford, Gutierrez is finding ways to connect with every department across campus. She is working with students to plan additional events to promote diversity and inclusion and is building support and interest to revive National Pan-Hellenic Council representation at Wofford.

“My ultimate goal is to create an inclusive community where everyone can feel like there’s a place for them at Wofford,” says Gutierrez. “I think Wofford is a fantastic institution, and what made me excited to join the community is seeing the positive direction in which it’s heading.”

by Jo Ann Mitchell Brasington ’89