Urmila Mali Oral History Interview

Urmila Mali details her transition from high school in Tillamook to college in Corvallis as a positive experience due to the diversity of international students present at OSU. Some of her mentors include her sisters, EOP coworkers, and others. Mali then talks about her decision to attend OSU, her impressions of campus, her transition towards receiving a master’s degree, and her current position as acting co-director for Education Opportunities Program. Her usual position is as an academic counselor within EOP, and she relays the duties embedded within that position. Mali expresses gratitude for the diversity of the staff working in her department while detailing the increase of opportunities available to students of color. Within that, she mentions International Student Services as an important program for giving a voice to people of color. Following this acknowledgement, Mali recognizes the role of OSU in supporting students and staff of color as not only recruitment, but also retention. Moving away from OSU, Mali discusses her relationship with the Nepalese Association of Oregon, including her family’s initial involvement, its growth, and its events. She then mentions the documentary entitled Color of Fear as a tool for recognizing the racism that exists locally. This is followed by challenges Mali has faced in her career along with her accomplishments. In closing, Mali reiterates the importance of providing support services to students and staff in order to retain the diversity at OSU.

Urmila Mali was born in Kathmadu, Nepal, in 1969. She lived in Nepal until her family moved to Tillamook, Oregon, in 1979. There she attended school from fourth grade through high school. After graduating from high school, she chose to go to Oregon State University, following in her sister's footsteps. During her undergrad years, she studied broadcast communication and earned a degree in Masters of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in anthropology and women's studies. Prior to her current appointment as acting co-director for the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), Mali held a counseling position within EOP, which involves working with non-traditional students regularly in order to provide academic and personal support.