Staff Directory

Joanne Harris-Duff

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Joanne Harris-Duff serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Joanne received her bachelor's degree in English from Bridgewater College and master's degree in social sciences from Hollins University. Prior to coming to Stetson University, Joanne was the Director of Diversity Education and Advocacy at her alma mater, Bridgewater College in Virginia.

Joanne has a long history of supporting students in creating cultural programs and initiatives aimed at educating, embracing and celebrating diversity and encouraging inclusion excellence.

In 2013, she and her spouse, Jessica, were named plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit challenging Virginia's ban on marriage for same-sex couples. Her publication entitled “Just Like Other Couples — But Without Rights” details her family's journey toward winning the right to marry in Virginia. They are the proud parents of two active children. Joanne sites her mother as being the inspiration for her work in social justice and change, stating, “I am who I am because of her.”

Amanda Castoire

Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion

acastoire@stetson.edu | 386-822-7983

Amanda was raised in South Florida and came to Central Florida as an undergraduate student from Rollins College where she received a BA in Anthropology. She is an advocate for cultural relativism. She is passionate about engaging people in the concept of all cultures being equal, legitimate expressions of human existence. Through her position as a community outreach educator, she strives to further diversity and inclusion on campus. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor and has the pleasure of teaching in the Hollis Center Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

Akeem Todman

Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusive Training

atodman@stetson.edu | 386-822-7401

Akeem Todman can be described as adept, ardent and ambitious. With eight years of experience in the realm of education, from teaching to program analysis, Akeem has committed himself to promoting academic excellence through a student-centric, culturally relevant pedagogy.

Akeem earned a B.A. in Communication Arts with a focus in Organizational Communication; and an MS in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University.

Akeem has committed himself to intentionally addressing existing race/gender-based disparities in academic and degree attainment. His professional passion is creating discourse that will lead to action and make the learning experience more accessible, equitable and inclusive for all students. Akeem believes that intentional conversations and comprehensive programming ensures that the unique experiences of students are understood and met with excellence and equity.

In his free time, you can catch Akeem reading, eating or listening to music — specifically Jazz, R&B and southern Hip-Hop/Rap.

Karissa Stewart

Graduate Assistant of Diversity and Inclusion

kstewart2@stetson.edu | 386-822-7401

Karissa was born and raised in Colorado Springs then received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Washington University in 2013. Prior to starting her MS in Counseling at Stetson, she's had the pleasure of working at wide variety of organizations from human resources to case management. In each of these roles, she has been able to serve a variety of unique populations with the purpose of advocacy, mentorship and empowerment. She is passionate and dedicated in changing the world one person at a time.