Jason Dorsette Oral History Interview

In his interview, Dorsette discusses the roles and significance of the OSU Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs). He explains the role of the CRCs' advisory councils, shares his thoughts on using the phrase "emerging group" rather than "minority group", and emphasizes that while each CRC has an affinity based agenda, the spaces are open to all and the centers collaborate with variety of university groups. Dorsette then gives the examples of his outreach to OSU fraternities and sororities as well as the local Corvallis community. He discusses the significance of the seven CRCs, the positive community response and impact, as well as some of the difficulties he and others working the CRC's face. Dorsette remarks on the need for a plan of action by the people affected by social injustice, the leadership required to create positive change, and the challenge of bridging old and new ideas and multiple generations of supporters. Dorsette concludes the interview with his thoughts on future opportunities including fundraising, intersectionality, and community engagement; the CRCs continuing work toward debunking myths about stereotypes; and an encouraging reminder to all people to ask questions and to feel welcome to visit the CRCs.

Jason Dorsette was born in High Point, North Carolina. He attended a historically black university (HBCU) in North Carolina where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and middle grade education as well as a master's in public administration and policy. He began his career at Oregon State University as the coordinator for the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center (BCC) and is now an Associate Director within the Office of Diversity and Cultural Engagement; Dorsette oversees the university's seven cultural resource centers.