Donald Outing's journey to becoming Vice President for Equity and Community at Lehigh University began at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. He was there as a mathematics professor, but did so much more, working to increase representation and participation for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering and math.
However, it wasn't until a controversial photo of 16 female African-American cadets raising a fist hit the internet that his mission was truly clear. “I found myself in the position of educating the Academy's leadership on the meaning and significance of their actions,” Outing says. “All 16 women were cleared of any wrongdoing and graduated on time.”
His impact led him to interview with John Simon, then Lehigh University president, in 2016, and after hearing his goal of providing greater access and opportunities to historically underrepresented and disadvantaged populations, Outing knew Lehigh was where he needed to be.
Though his day-to-day work of increasing, retaining and sustaining diversity, equity and inclusion can be difficult, knowing he is having an impact on someone's life makes it worth it. “There are days that I wonder why I didn't just stick to my mathematics research and teaching,” he says. “Then, one of those emails will hit my inbox at just the right time. It is a reminder of why I love doing this work.”
Outing has found more than just a rewarding career in the Valley. He met his future wife, Jessica, at Lehigh University. Outing is also a member of several boards and local organizations, including Valley Youth House, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem NAACP, Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges, Community Action Council of Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Area School District, Allentown School District and his golf club, The PinSeekers.
“In one word: community. I have found a community in the Valley,” he says.
Published as "Voices of the Valley" in the August 2022 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
