Iowa's Coe College Sets the Mark for Organizational Impact and Transformation in Diversity

Dr. Paula O’Loughlin, provost of Coe College, discusses factors leading to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based institution receiving the highest overall score in the preliminary rounds of Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation (DOIT) certification.

The time for transformative diversity leadership and education is an imminent matter. Many say it’s overdue. Others say it’s a current paradigm. Whether then, now or later, the substance of “transformative” diversity leadership has remained in the eye of one’s circumstances. Still, some institutions dare to define transformation in ways that authenticate and regulate how they function – intentionally, traditionally and daily.

Dr. Paula O'LoughlinThe Diverse Organizational Impact and Transformation (DOIT) certification has drawn broad interest in its potential to identify substance within the way institutions advance diversity-related infrastructures. The DOIT certification is grounded in Coopwood Diversity Leadership & Education (Coop Di Leu)’s four Institutional Pillars for Transformation (IPTs), which audit frames of diversity infrastructure. In 2020, four IPT surveys were conducted by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education to learn more about where institutions were on a continuum of IPT subcategories. Institutions that scored highest during respective rounds receive an interview to gain insight into their vision for transformation and discover their intent behind pursuing certification.

Coe College scored the highest average overall among institutions that participated in the preliminary rounds. Coe and four other institutions (named on a future date) will receive interviews. 

Coop Di Leu conducted the first interview with Dr. Paula O’Loughlin, provost, dean of the faculty, interim dean of students and Title IX coordinator at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Two questions are specific to Coe College; other questions pertain to the esteem expected from the national certification.

Following is a Q&A between Ken Coopwood (KC), CEO of Coop Di Leu, and O’Loughlin (PO).

KC: What thoughts about the future of diversity leadership and education came to mind as you responded to the DOIT certification surveys?