This Diversity & Inclusion ePortfolio (D&I-eP) was developed as part of my work in CIS 650: Applying Diversity Leadership Theories & Praxis during the Spring 2025 semester. In this section, I analyze how cultural and environmental factors—as well as the unique characteristics of the surrounding community and campus populations—shape the division’s engagement strategies and service delivery.
Figure 1: View of Entrance to the Emory University Robert W. Woodruff Library
2.1. Environmental Setting
The Context of Need (Atlanta Diversity)
Atlanta is home to one of the highest LGBT populations per capita, which is 19th among major US metropolitan areas. An estimated 4.2% of Atlanta's metro population is gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Atlanta is also the 2nd largest majority-black metro area in the country. Still, African Americans in the city have been moving to the suburbs over the last ten years, and the city's black population shrank from 61.4% in 2000 to 54% in 2010.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has seen the fastest growth in the proportion of whites in the city than any other US city. The white population grew from 31% to 38% from 2000 to 2010.
References:
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). QuickFacts: Atlanta city, Georgia. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/atlantacitygeorgia/PST045224
2.2. Community Profile
As one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, Emory has historically been a predominantly white institution. According to College VineCollegeVine, approximately 43% of Emory students identify as White, 23% as Asian, 13% as Black or African American, and 11% as Hispanic/Latino. The remainder of the student body identifies as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, multiracial, or declined to disclose.
Emory is committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as demonstrated by its recent admissions. The Emory College Class of 2025 welcomed record numbers of African American and Latinx students, with 13% identifying as Black or African American, nearly 11% as Latinx, and 22.8% as Asian. Additionally, 17.3% of first-year students are international, nearly 8% are first-generation college students, and 18–20% are Pell Grant recipients.
References:
College Vine. (n.d.) Emory University's demographics? Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.collegevine.com/faq/83107/emory-university-s-demographics#:~:text=Emory%20is%20also%20committed%20to,as%20Black%20or%20African%20American.
Emory University. (n.d.). DEI and Our Students. Retrieved September 16, 2024, from https://diversity.college.emory.edu/students.html.
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.). Atlanta city, Georgia. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://data.census.gov/profile/Atlanta_city,_Georgia?g=160XX00US1304000
World Population Review. (n.d.). Atlanta, Georgia Population 2024. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/georgia/atlanta
2.3. Agency “System-Centric” + “User-Centric” Profiles
Emory Libraries
Emory Libraries is a comprehensive system of ten libraries serving both the Atlanta and Oxford campuses of Emory University. This system includes the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Business Library, Rose Library, Computing Center, Health Sciences Center Library, Hugh F. MacMillan Law Library, Library Service Center, Oxford College Library, Pitts Theology Library, and Science Commons. Together, they form a dynamic network that supports the university’s academic mission through a commitment to innovation, service, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
With a collection of over 5.8 million volumes, 430,000 electronic journals, and 1.8 million electronic books, Emory Libraries offers robust research and learning resources. The Rose Library is particularly distinguished for its special collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials. Students and faculty benefit from access to an expansive suite of databases, digital resources, and data services, including GIS and research methods collections. The libraries also provide technology-rich spaces, study areas, and curriculum-based instruction sessions. Guided by a strategic framework rooted in community engagement and continuous improvement, Emory Libraries supports faculty research and impact tracking through initiatives like Emory FIRST, solidifying its role as an interdisciplinary intellectual hub.
User Centric Profile
Emory University’s student body is characterized by a high degree of diversity, reflecting a broad range of racial, ethnic, national, and geographic backgrounds. The university enrolls students from all 50 U.S. states and maintains a strong global presence, with international students comprising approximately 17% of the student population. Racial and ethnic representation includes approximately 37.1% White, 17.5% Asian, 12.7% Black or African American, 9.27% Hispanic or Latino, and 4.08% identifying as two or more races. Gender diversity is also notable, with about 59% of undergraduates identifying as female and 41% as male. Emory also supports students from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, including 19% of first-year students identifying as first-generation college students. A large majority of students—roughly 82%—come from out of state, contributing to the institution’s geographic diversity. Emory University is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable campus environment, embedding principles of diversity and inclusion throughout academic, social, and residential life. This commitment enhances the educational experience and prepares students to thrive in a global society.
SourcesEmory University Libraries. (2024). Facts & figures. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://libraries.emory.edu/about/facts-figures
Emory University. (2025). Our students. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://diversity.college.emory.edu/students.html