Defining Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Organizations

Dr. Richard Anthony Baker serves as the Executive Director for Institutional Equity, Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity (AA/EEO), and Title IX Coordinator at Rice University. With over 20 years of experience in diversity and equal opportunity, he has held significant roles in chief equity compliance for major university systems in Texas. Dr. Baker is responsible for implementing the university's anti-discrimination and diversity management efforts, focusing on the recruitment and retention of diverse employees. He has trained thousands of individuals, including nearly 4,000 police officers, on prevention and compliance issues related to equity and inclusion.In addition to his administrative duties, Dr. Baker is actively involved in professional organizations as the President of the Board for the American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity (AAAED), which is the oldest national association for equal opportunity professionals. He holds a J.D., M.P.A., and Ph.D., making him the first African American to achieve these degrees from Texas Tech University. His courses at Rice University include topics such as assessing cultural climate and best practices in planning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) interventions, reflecting his commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment.