Committee Member Q&A

Zori Kalibatseva

Zornitsa (Zori) Kalibatseva

Associate Professor of Psychology 

What is your position at Stockton, and how did you become interested in the CCDIE?

I am an associate professor of psychology at Stockton. Some of the classes I teach include "Cross-Cultural Psychology," "Psychology of Race" and "Racism and Culture and Mental Health." My research focuses on racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and providing culturally sensitive psychotherapy. In 2016, Dr. Sonia Gonsalves nominated me to join the campus climate subcommittee because of my background in assessment and my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. I became faculty co-chair of the CCDIE in the fall of 2023. 

What do you see as your main contribution(s) to the CCDIE’s work over the years?

My main contributions to the CCDIE have been related to the campus climate survey. In 2016-2017, I worked alongside Dr. Donnetrice Allison and Dr. Brian Tyrrell to develop the survey, collect and analyze the data, and prepare the report. Later, I worked with my colleagues on the subcommittee to edit the existing survey and prepare it for the 2023 launch. I was also involved in exploring an employee affinity group for international faculty/staff.

What do you hope that the CCDIE will explore over the next few years?

I hope the CCDIE will continue to identify ways (e.g., events, trainings, Celebrate Diversity) in which make our campus and community an inclusive place where we can engage in a dialogue and develop understanding and compassion. In particular, I hope we can have everyone, from students to faculty and from staff to administrators, develop self-awareness, engage in meaningful conversations about race and racism, and take action to address racial disparities through social justice and education.  

What words of wisdom would you share with other members of the campus community who want to get involved in diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice at Stockton?

Diversity, equity and inclusion are an integral part of the work we do in higher education; it is not an add-on. We need all hands on deck to work toward social justice for all. It can also be challenging and frustrating when you meet resistance or people deny your humanity. Talking to people who have been doing this work and finding support is paramount to keep doing the work.    


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