About Us
Barbee M. Oakes, Ph.D.
Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
336.758.5864
Dr. Barbee Myers Oakes is the newly appointed Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion. Prior to this, she was the Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Wake Forest University from 1995 - 2009. Her accomplishments include the development of retention strategies that have positioned Wake Forest among the most successful institutions in the nation with respect to graduating college students of color. From 1985 through 1995, she was an Assistant Professor at Penn State University, Arizona State University, and Wake Forest. During that period she authored over thirty publications and research presentations, co-authored five books and became the first African American woman to earn a PhD in the American College of Sports Medicine. She has continued her professional involvement in the area of Physical Fitness by co-authoring seven textbooks since 1995. Oakes’ professional and civic accomplishments include selection as a Senior Fellow for Future Focus 2020 plus membership on the St. Peter’s Center for Comprehensive Services Board of Directors and the WFU Maya Angelou Research Center for Minority Health Internal Steering Committee. Oakes holds a B.S. and M.A. in Exercise Science and Cardiac Rehabilitation from Wake Forest University. She completed doctoral study in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Kaylan Baxter
Asst. to the Assistant Provost for Diversity and Inclusion
Kaylan Baxter is a recent graduate of Wake Forest, class of 2009, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Kaylan enjoys traveling and playing musical instruments for leisure. Her academic interests include resource and environmental economics, inequality and identity, and Black feminist thought. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
With her unique perspective as a former student, Kaylan is open to providing insight into the undergraduate experience at Wake Forest and enjoys personal interaction with students from all backgrounds. As a member of the Diversity and Inclusion team, Kaylan is committed to the realization of the strategic plan of the University, particularly as it pertains to creating a more inclusive campus community for all of its members.