Fremont native comes back home to serve as first-ever diversity and inclusion director

At Terra State, Chari Mullen learned that she had the potential to succeed and she has done just that.

A Fremont native and 2004 graduate of Terra State, Mullen was appointed as the first Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the city of Fremont in October.

She graduated from Terra State with an Associate of Arts & Science with a concentration in social and behavioral sciences. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Criminal Justice with a concentration in justice administration and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in leadership, both from Tiffin University.

Mullen has a long record of working in higher education. She started in administration, working with deans at Tiffin University and later became the assistant director of graduate student services. Mullen also served as director of football operations, helping organize team travel plans and academic advising for the student athletes. She also taught classes in organizational management.

After working at Tiffin University, Mullen then went on to work at the University of Toledo, working with the Division of Student Affairs. She worked directly with numerous sectors including student organizations, counseling center, title IX, residence life, student conduct and the multicultural center.

Aside from higher education, Mullen founded a nonprofit called Momma’s House with the help of a few Tiffin University faculty and staff members. Momma’s House helps youth find their purpose and encourages positive impact in their community.

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  DegreeSocial & Behavioral Sciences
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  EmployerCity of Fremont
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  Job TitleDiversity & Inclusion Director
 

Mullen started her education journey at Terra State because it was convenient, utilizing employer reimbursement from her employer at the time. She later decided to start taking classes full time and became a chemistry tutor through the Academic and Recovery Support Services Center (now named the Academic Services Center).

“My biggest life lesson that I learned about myself is that I had the potential to succeed. I took advantage of the services, opportunities and support offered to me,” said Mullen.

She encourages students to get involved and stay connected to classmates and instructors. 16 years after graduating from Terra State, she still bumps into her fellow classmates around the community.

As Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the city of Fremont, Mullen is excited to be back in her community and helping to create change. Her work with the community will create impact in four stages.

Fremont is currently in the first stage of listening to community members and having courageous conversations. Next, Mullen will strategize and work with individuals to create task forces. Stage three will include implementing the recommendations given by the task force. The final step will be to asses and gain a better understanding of if the recommendations are working or need refocused.

Mullen will also be collaborating with Bill Taylor, vice president for academic affairs, to bring services and programs to enhance diversity and inclusion for Terra State students.