Mali, Urmila, November 14, 2014. 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. [Interview conducted by Emilee Boyd, Jessica Tafoya, and Lauren Kimura as part of the Fall 2014 U-Engage ALS 199 “Untold Stories: Histories of People of Color in Oregon” OSU Faculty/Staff Oral History Project compiled to create the digital book Untold Stories: OralHistories of Faculty & Staff of Color at Oregon State University. Video available online.
