Marco Barker
Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion
Marco Barker has served as the inaugural vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion since April 1, 2019, and holds an appointment as associate professor of practice in education administration.
Barker previously served in diversity leadership roles at Westminster College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Louisiana State University. In his most recent position at Westminster College, Barker was the inaugural associate vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion and the college's chief diversity officer. During his time at the Utah college, he created an infrastructure for one of the state's most diverse institutions of higher education.
Barker leads the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which shapes the policies, protocols and practices needed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion across the university. He works toward fostering an inclusive, equitable and welcoming campus by collaborating with campus partners, allies and the local community.
Barker’s research and publications on higher education address doctoral and graduate education, cross-race mentoring and advising relationships, diversity, and leadership in higher education and often utilizes critical race theory and double consciousness as frameworks.
Open Office Hours:
- 4-6PM Third Monday of the month; Nebraska East Union, Room 301
- 4-6PM Last Monday of the month; Canfield Administration South, 208
Office of Diversity and Inclusion Staff
Ernest Dupree III
Graduate Assistant
Ernest Dupree Bio
Ernest Dupree III is a graduate assistant in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). He is a doctoral candidate in political science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where he studies intersectionality and legislative behavior. His additional research interests include the study of threat and political differences. His personal interests outside of research include traveling and spending time with family. Dupree earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science from Francis Marion University and his Master of Arts in political science from Jackson State University.
Jessie Peter
Graduate Assistant
Jessie Peter Bio
Jessie Peter is a Graduate Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion and a doctoral student in the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies. She is a Global Family, Health and Wellbeing scholar and studies about diverse families who have experienced trauma. Currently, she focuses on, family factors which contribute to human trafficking; innovate and sustainable measures of prevention. Prior to pursuing graduate studies in UNL, she was a school counselor at a high school in Chennai, India. In addition to addressing psychological wellbeing of school members, her aims were dedicated towards making the school inclusive for students with special needs. She received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Madras University, and master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Bangalore University, India. Having served diverse leadership roles at department and university level, she now assists the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) in enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion across campus.