Conference Founder and Chair

Dr. Michael T. Fagin, Founder

The Pan African Conference is named in honor of Dr. Michael T. Fagin. Dr. Fagin is an emeritus professor and Pan African leader who has served and been a member of the Minnesota State University Mankato community for over 45 years. Dr. Fagin is a Detroit native who is known for revolutionizing diversity efforts at the University. Dr. Fagin has served the institution in several roles, including professor of African American studies, creator and chair of the ethnic studies program, associate vice president for cultural diversity, and vice president for institutional diversity. Dr. Fagin is also responsible for the creation of the Pan African Student Leadership Conference, which was named in his honor in 2010, over 40 years ago. He has also served on many diversity committees on- and off-campus, and is recognized as one of the pioneers behind the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day celebration in Mankato, Minnesota. He is known by most as a professor, mentor, father, and friend who changed students’ and faculty members’ lives. He has truly impacted the lives of so many at the University and the greater Mankato community.

 

BalenciaSariah Crosby, Conference Co-Chair

BalenciaSariah Crosby, serves as Director of African American and Multicultural Affairs, at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Prior to this appointment she served as a member of faculty for three years at Lone Star College, University Park in Houston, TX. 

Dr. Dani Scott, Conference Co-Chair

Danielle Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is a Diversity Champion and Assistant Professor in the Communication Sciences & Disorders Program, leading the efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, which includes leading the Diversity & Inclusion Fellows mentorship programming. She teaches courses such as Culturally Responsive Practices, DEI Seminar, Cultural Humility, and Counseling. Dr. Scott’s research pertains to therapeutic relationships and cultural humility. Dr. Scott has 6 years of experience as an educational speech-language pathologist in Atlanta, GA, and Houston, TX. She enjoys advocating and educating the university community on Black Language and Linguistic Justice.