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Dr. A’ndrea Wilson’s journey to teaching at Grand View University was not simple, but her “colorful background,” as she refers to it, has helped shape the way she does her job today. Wilson has done everything from fast food to interior design to jewelry making to substitute teaching. She also has several degrees, including two psychology degrees, a doctorate with a focus in global leadership and a masters in dramatic writing. On top of that, she has a collection of published written works. 

In her current position at GV, she is the Braida Endowed Chair of Creative Writing, director of the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, advisor to the Black Student Union (BSU) and the instructor for courses ranging from dramatic writing to race relations.

“I feel like nothing is lost,” Wilson said. “Everything I’ve done, in one way or another, comes back around, and I can utilize it in my current career.” 

As one of a few Black professors on campus, Wilson holds a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Because she makes herself visible, students and faculty seek her out for advice, opinions and guidance on situations regarding racial diversity and equity. Whether it’s a student going through something race-based or a policy change that may have potential inequities, Wilson is there to advocate for people of color. 

“A lot of work does fall on me,” Wilson said. “No one’s forced me to, but I’ve taken the initiative myself to do it because I know it needs to be done, and I would hate for students to feel like there’s constantly new things happening and occurring, and their position, their culture, their situation hasn’t been taken into consideration.” 

Although the job can be overwhelming at times, Wilson said she knows that having her voice at the table is important. A silly person by nature, it’s not always fun having to be assertive, but that is something that students and faculty appreciate about her. 

Former BSU President Alyssa Parker reflected on her relationship with Wilson not only as an advisor and a teacher but also like her “campus mom.” Parker said it was helpful to have an educated Black woman as a mentor, and that Wilson is one of the main reasons she was successful at GV.

“There wasn’t always a lot of Black women professors,” Parker said, referring to other schools she attended. “Being able to work with Wilson, a Black woman who’s very educated…it was a good learning experience for me.” 

Parker recalled a BSU networking event where successful Black community members talked with members of BSU and some students got internships or jobs because of it.  

Alex Piedras, director of Multicultural and Community Outreach, has worked closely with Wilson since she started at GV in 2018. They co-advised BSU together in her first year and have since worked together putting on events with other cultural groups on campus. Piedras said Wilson provides leadership for BSU, and is always trying to uplift diversity on and off campus.

“She is always looking for ways to engage the communities into supporting and promoting diversity,” Piedras said.  

Wilson said she is proud of her culture and proud to be able to represent the Black community on campus. Being Black is part of who she is, and it’s important to her that people not only see that, but respect it. 

“Unless you’re Ray Charles, you saw me,” Wilson said jokingly. 

Wilson also believes it’s also important to make herself known on campus because she wants students of color to see that there is someone that looks like them and talks like them that works for the school. She said it’s empowering to students to see that their culture is accepted, and that they don’t need to change things about who they are to get a job. 

Wilson said she hasn’t run into any direct racism during her time at GV, but is unduly familiar in dealing with microaggressions, bias and sexism. Microaggressions are comments or actions that subtly express prejudice toward a marginalized group. They are often unintentional and come from one’s own implicit bias. 

“We live in a society that isn’t always welcoming to voices of color and isn’t always welcoming to female voices,” Wilson said. 

Something that  Wilson is working on with the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is training for students and faculty to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity around campus. Currently, training is only offered to certain groups but will hopefully be accessible to all students soon. 

In her time at GV, Wilson has made tremendous strides toward making GV a campus where students not only have a voice but feel seen. In the current racial climate, the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative and  Wilson’s voice have never been more necessary.  

“King’s dream has still not come to pass,” Wilson said. 

There is a lot more work to be done, but Wilson and the GV community is continuously working toward equality every day.

“King’s dream has still not come to pass.”

Dr. A’ndrea Wilson