(l to r): Director of the Sparks Center for DEI Chevaughan Dyer and Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Anita Dashiell-Sparks. Photo by Dylan J. Locke.
In a new series, we explore some of the USC School of Dramatic Arts’ most helpful resources, introduced by the staff and faculty who manage them. In this installment, we talk with Director of the Sparks Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chevaughan Dyer about everything the center has to offer.
Tell us about yourself and your role at the Sparks Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Chevaughan Dyer: My name is Chevaughan Dyer. I am an L.A. transplant (originally from Brooklyn), SDA alum and I serve as the Director for the Sparks Center for DEI where I manage all operations and programming for the center.
Why is the Sparks Center for DEI a valuable resource that SDA students should know about?
We want to cultivate a space where all are welcome. Where the artist and global citizen collaborate to create meaningful work and foster important dialogue across culture and experience. We also want the center to be a space where students can remove their “masks” and be their true authentic self, in addition to being a haven for wellness to recharge. That can be through having a snack between classes or engaging with any of our programming opportunities. We want students to know we are a space that fosters belonging for all.
What is the most underutilized resource at the Sparks Center for DEI?
We know that meeting and rehearsal space at SDA can be limited so we will be rolling out a system where ISP groups and students can reserve the Center for their meeting and rehearsal needs. We want to further emphasize the space is a “hub” where students can create and collaborate.
What is one thing about the Sparks Center for DEI that you wish all SDA students knew?
We are always looking for ways to partner with students (for example in partnership with the TSA we facilitated an EDIAB Summit last fall) and organizations, so always feel free to reach out with ideas on collaborations and partnerships.
How can SDA students learn more if they’re curious about the Sparks Center for DEI?
Visit our website to learn more. Students can also schedule meetings directly with me as I am always looking to learn more about our students and community to create meaningful programming.
You can learn more about the naming of the Sparks Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.