Building a More Equitable Future

Tanya Griffith (M.Ed. ’22) is on a mission to create positive change through social justice.

As a wife, mom, grandma to a newborn baby girl, full-time employee, board member, and volunteer, going back to school to earn a graduate degree during one of the busiest seasons of life was not easy. It was hard work, but Griffith knew it was hard work that would pay off as she continues to champion diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at Oakland University and throughout the community.

A powerhouse of motivation and determination, Griffith completed her Master of Education in Educational Leadership, with a focus in Social Justice, in May 2022. As she accepted her diploma and closed the chapter on Graduate School, she got right back to work in the field that ignited her passion in the first place.

Tanya Griffith receiving her diploma

She is excited to continue serving in her role as director of corporate relations and DEI partnerships at Oakland University, a role that allows her to help facilitate the university’s goal of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across campus.

“I chose OU because it felt like a place where I could help build a lasting legacy of helping students,” she says. “There’s so much potential here and I want to help bring more corporate partners to OU to recruit and retain our talented scholars.”

OU’s strategic plan outlines a goal of creating “an environment of mutual trust and respect at all levels of the institution and facilitating opportunities and success for all community members.”

Griffith is making that happen.

During her time at OU, Griffith has been working on strengthening ties between OU and corporate institutions while helping advance OU’s strategic plan for the benefit of all current and future students. Her degree will allow her to continue this work with an even greater focus on DEI priorities.

“It takes boldness to include DEI as a strategic pillar,” she says. “And we have to be bold. It takes courage to make real and sustainable change and show that we are truly an inclusive place. We are making strides weaving DEI into the fabric of Oakland University which positively impacts all students and educators.”

As the first person to go to college in her family and often the only Black person in class throughout her undergraduate career, Griffith holds DEI work close to her heart.

“Somebody saw something in me,” she says. “They said ‘you should go to college and major in business’ and I ended up graduating summa cum laude. It changed my life.’”

Going back to school to pursue her master’s degree was a big decision for Griffith but, looking back, she is so glad she took the leap. Her favorite part of the program was her classes and the camaraderie she built with her cohort.

“I just love to learn,” she says. “I love people in general, and my cohort was tremendous and have inspired me to continue making as much impact as possible.”

Griffith’s advice for anyone wishing to pursue a graduate degree is to make the investment in yourself now. It’s never too late to pursue something you feel passionate about. For Griffith, graduate school meant managing a full-time job and family responsibilities while going to class, studying and working on projects with her cohort. It meant a lot of early mornings and late nights, but the hard work was well worth it in the end.

“Be thoughtful about what you really, really want and what’s going to make the biggest impact in your life,” she says. “It's really about focusing on yourself and not letting anything stop you from pursuing your dreams.”

The Oakland University Graduate School stands ready to partner with you on your post-baccalaureate education. With more than 135 graduate degree programs, including certificates and endorsements, you can find the right program to take your learning to the next level. Learn more about Oakland University's Graduate School.