From Education to Arts: One Alumni’s journey to Inaugural Director of DEI for Kentucky Performing Arts

Tamekka Cornelius, 04’ 07’ is a trailblazing Louisville native and alumni of the College of Education and Human Development’s college student personnel program. Throughout the course of her career, Cornelius has held key positions in higher education at the University of Louisville, Bellarmine University and the University of Kentucky.

In March 2023, she embarked on a new journey as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Kentucky Performing Arts. There, her focus has been developing and implementing a strategic equity plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision.

Cornelius reflects on her career and diversity, equity and inclusion in the arts in this Q&A interview.

Q: How did a background in education prepare you for your career trajectory?

Cornelius: What prepared me the most was the experiences that I had during my two years in the College Student Personnel (CSP) program. The courses, faculty support, internship experience and study abroad trip to Ghana were unforgettable.

Interestingly enough, I still talk to many of the faculty who taught me in that program. In 2021, Amy Hirschy reached out to me about teaching policies, practices and programs which is one of the foundational student affairs courses that had a huge impact on me. That was a full circle moment for me.

Q: Why did you choose CSP at UofL?

Cornelius: I didn’t initially know that I wanted to pursue CSP. I graduated from UofL in 2004 with a degree in criminal justice thinking that I wanted to go into law. After graduation, I got a job as a fraud analyst for Bank of America, and I quickly realized that it was not fulfilling. It was not people facing, so I took a gap year to figure out what I wanted to do. I worked with my A&S advisor and talked to her about what she did in her role. I had never heard of college student personnel. I looked into several different CSP programs but I really enjoyed my experience at UofL so I decided to continue there for my master’s degree.

Q: How did you transition into a career in diversity, equity and inclusion? Why do you feel like DEI is important not only in an organization but also for the Louisville community?

Cornelius: I started in DEI organically while working at Bellarmine University. I was working there as a Learning Community Advisor when one of my mentors, Hannah Clayborne, left her role as the Director of Multicultural Affairs. I asked her about it and I ended up getting that role. At that time, we were just one office, but now it has evolved into an entire center with more visibility. That is the importance of DEI to me - showing folks that diversity, equity and inclusion is not just in one office, but that it is everyone’s responsibility.

There are so many ways that people can impact DEI. You can see diversity visibly, but you can also see it in experiences. Equity is making sure that people have what they need. Inclusion is essentially a sense of belonging. How are we making sure that people feel comfortable in spaces? Everyone is responsible for DEI because it truly is a holistic practice.

 While I was working at Bellarmine, I started my doctorate in educational leadership and administration. Courses on social change and diversity gave me a better theoretical understanding of DEI. That pedagogy couple with my work and life experiences has been a great guide for my work in DEI.

Q: Why is DEI so important for art, specifically?

Cornelius: The arts bring a lot of different people and communities together. Today, DEI has become more and more popular in the arts, hence why this role has erupted. Since George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, you’re seeing more DEI roles in what might be considered non-traditional spaces. Organizations that really care about their employees and their constituents realize the importance of DEI.

The arts have also been used as a healing practice – people bond over food, music, and culture which we know are directly related to diversity, equity and belonging. Different cultures are represented by the arts and really everybody can enjoy the arts. You don’t have to have a certain education or demographic. That’s an important part of why DEI is needed.

 Since I’ve gotten into the art space, I’ve learned what a blossoming community Louisville has. I would encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the arts. Many events are free, especially in the summer. Everyone should support the arts.

Q: What advice would you share with a current student as they try to figure out their academic/ career path?

Cornelius: My advice to current students is to find what excites you. Take advantage of opportunities like internships and study abroad. Building a strong resume is important and you can’t do that by staying at home. I didn’t declare my major in undergrad until my sophomore year and that’s okay. Use your time in college to get involved in something meaningful to you. For me, it was joining the Black Diamond Choir at the Cultural Center. I also found community in my criminal justice cohort. Ultimately, when you find something that resonates with you, your passion will find you.

Cornelius earned a bachelor of science in criminal justice in 2004 and a master of education in counseling and personnel services with a track in college student personnel in 2007 from the University of Louisville. Additionally, she holds a doctor of philosophy in educational leadership and administration from Bellarmine University.

If you’re interested in a MEd in Counseling & Personnel Services (College Student Personnel) click here for more information.

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