Inclusive Excellence Staff

Dr. Rachel Fredericks

Dr. Fredericks holds a bachelor of science degree in Finance from "The" Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Arts degree in International Development from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Fredericks also holds a PhD in Community Engagement from Point Park University.  She has a background in teaching first-year seminar courses, guest lecturing on diversity and inclusion fundamentals, human resource management, program administration, data analytics, and, community outreach. She has lived, studied, and volunteered abroad in over seven countries, and brings a variety of experiences from both non-profit and corporate positions. She aspires to learn and serve the Sewanee family to foster belonging, establish equitable support for all cultures, and deepen community connections.

Tarneka Ezell

Tarneka Ezell serves as the Assistant Director of Inclusive Programs and Student Engagement. Her primary role is to plan programs that support student engagement and cultural experiences of Sewanee students. Ezell comes to Sewanee after spending the last 14 years in public education. As an educator, she facilitated student events to celebrate the various backgrounds and identities of the school’s student body. Ezell received her bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has professional experience working with mental health records for patients in Middle Tennessee and coding for front-end web development. Ezell has spent several years of her childhood growing up in Coevorden, Netherlands, but claims Memphis as her hometown. In her free time, you can find Tarneka enjoying movies, traveling, and planning.