The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Dr. Anize Appel, MBA ’21, is the Executive Director for the Center for Global and Associate Dean for Study Abroad at Moravian University and is the Senior International Officer. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in Natural Science, a Master of Education from Cedar Crest College, a Doctor of Education from Drexel University, and an MBA at Moravian University. Before making the transition to higher education, Dr. Appel served as an administrator in K-12 as Headmistress/principal and as the international students’ expert at two independent schools in Pennsylvania since 2005.

Dr. Appel has served and continues to serve the local, regional, and international community within a variety of professional, academic, and philanthropic organizations through publications, presentations and leadership as President, Vice President, Chairman on the board, board member, and committee member in organizations such as the Comparative International Education Society, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, NAFSA, NACU, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to name a few.

Her research interests include International Educational Trends, Supportive Processes Associated with Effective International Education, and the processes involved in the development of teacher and student resilience in climates situated in chronic crisis. She is always delighted to assist and support experiences that will enrich lives.

As the Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives, Alvert helps first-generation college students navigate college through mentorship, programming, advocacy, and large-scale initiatives. Being a first-generation college student himself, he remembers the challenges he faced in his first semester as an undergraduate. He strives to help students develop necessary skills and build meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and students on campus to enhance their college experience.

Alvert enjoys binge watching TV shows, playing video games, and following sports. He especially loves to play basketball, so you may find him in the ARC playing ball with students. If he doesn’t already know you, he looks forward to connecting with you on campus!

Dr. Chris Hunt (he/him/his), is Vice President and Dean for Equity and Inclusion at Moravian University and Instructor for Racial and Ethnic Inequality in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, he’s responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and coordination on diversity, equity, and inclusion at the institution including oversight of a key priority of the University strategic plan. He regularly collaborates with students, faculty, staff, academic departments, administrative offices, and student organizations to embed DEI in all areas of the University.

The social locations of race, ethnicity, age, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender are aspects of Dr. Hunt’s research and scholarship. His dissertation, “When Millennials Meet Baby Boomers: Multiple Case Study on the Experiences of Black Male College Students” examined the lived experiences of two generational cohorts of college graduates who navigated predominately White institutions (PWI) during the Baby Boomer generation of the 1960s and 1970s as well as those same PWIs during the Millennial era of the 2010s.

The husband of a college dean and the father of three Generation Z children, Dr. Hunt is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and earned a Master of Science in Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate and doctoral degrees from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

As the Office Manager for the Moravian University Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, it is Gavin’s responsibility and joy to support Moravian’s students, faculty, staff, and the communities his Team serves. Some of his hobbies include: reading and writing, self-actualization, music, and thinking.

As the Assistant Director for Moravian University’s Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Michelle serves as an advocate, mentor, and resource supporting historically underrepresented and marginalized students. She also serves as an on-call staff member, providing a 24/7 “on-call” emergency response/crisis intervention. Some of her hobbies include reading, watching movies, hiking, trying new foods and taking long walks with her dog.

As the Office Manager for the Center for Global Education, it is Jes’s responsibility to help and support Moravian’s staff, faculty, and the International Student community. She also supports faculty and staff in coordinating travel for short-term study abroad travel. Her hobbies include cooking, spending time with family and friends, and doing community service.

Dr. Belinda Waller-Peterson is Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion at Moravian University and an Associate Professor of English. She teaches courses in African American literature and culture and the Health Humanities. She specializes in women’s health issues, maternity and illness narratives. She is also a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of Pennsylvania. Her nursing experience and English literature background allow her to explore multiple intersecting areas of study including the health humanities, women, gender, and sexuality, and Africana studies. 

She has published articles and presented conference papers on womb imagery and wellness in Black women’s literature. Her most recent publications include: “The Art of Death Book Review” in Journal of Medical Humanities, “‘Nobody Came/Cuz Nobody Knew’: Shame and Isolation in Ntozake Shange's ‘Abortion Cycle #1’” in CLA Journal, and “‘Are You Sure Sweetheart, That You Want to be Well?’ The Politics of Mental Health and Long-Suffering in Toni Cade Bambara’s The Salt Eaters” in Religions.

Bryn is the master coordinator of Moravian's Global Greyhound Trips, supporting both faculty/staff trip leaders and students. She loves the opportunity to help students explore the world. Some of her treasured time is spent taking care of and collecting plants, practicing and teaching yoga, knitting and being social (only after 10am).