Ram Legacy: Arlene Negedog

After nearly four decades of dedicated service to Colorado State University, Arlene Nededog, director of inclusion in the College of Natural Sciences, is retiring. 

Nededog began her CSU career in 1986 as a counselor for the Upward Bound program. She then became assistant director and academic advisor for the HELP/Success Center, before transitioning to the College of Natural Sciences in 1998 as the director of retention programs. In 2012, she was named director of retention and enrichment, and in 2015, she became the College’s first director of inclusion—a position she has held ever since. 

“Since stepping onto campus 38 years ago, Arlene has been a tireless advocate for student and employee success, as well as for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Jan Nerger, advisor to the CSU System, and former college dean. “Her efforts have positively impacted every member of the College of Natural Sciences community and beyond. Thanks to Arlene, CSU has become a better place to work, learn, and thrive.”  

In addition to her various roles at CSU, Arlene has been deeply involved in many programs and initiatives. She served as the site coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Alliance for Minority Participation, represented the College on the Inclusive Excellence Council and the OIE Student Success Advisory Council, and mentored numerous diversity- and inclusion-focused student organizations. 

“Arlene has been an integral member of the College of Natural Sciences team for many years,” said Jacob Roberts, interim dean of the College of Natural Sciences. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Arlene for the past decade and have always been impressed by her clear desire to make things better for students, staff, and faculty. Arlene has built a lasting legacy defined by strategic leadership, compassion, and community building.”  

Arlene’s impact on the CSU community is well known. She has played a key role in fostering student success and advancing staff awareness of Inclusive Excellence, which she actively promotes in all aspects of her work. Her efforts have been instrumental in developing student leaders through the creation of science student organizations such as Students as Leaders in Science, the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science CSU Chapter, CNS Ambassadors, CNS Mentoring Program, Women in Physics, and Out in Science, Technology, and Engineering. 

“I’ve only worked with Arlene for a few years, but she has been known throughout the CSU community for her kindness and compassion as well as her dedication to the highest ideals of inclusion and equity,” said Kauline Cipriani, vice president for inclusive excellence. “Her efforts have inspired us all to be better to each other.” 

Arlene’s vision for students has always been to help them become global leaders in the sciences. She has inspired, supported, and mentored countless historically underrepresented students, first-generation students, and women in science through to graduation. 

Her legacy includes numerous strategic advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion at CSU. She founded the College’s DEI committee and helped every department within the college establish DEI-focused groups. She also developed DEI strategic plans in partnership with the college leadership team and the Office for Inclusive Excellence. Arlene has served on several CSU committees focused on the success of all marginalized students including Hispanic students, first-generation students, Native American students, and faculty. 

Arlene’s contributions have been widely recognized. She received the Outstanding Staff Award from El Centro in 2012, the Chapter Advisor of the Year Award from Lambda Theta Nu Sorority in 2020, and the Distinguished Service to the Society Award from the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science in 2012. 

Arlene’s legacy will continue to grow through the many people she has mentored and influenced. She has always made time to support her colleagues by offering coaching and guidance when they seek new opportunities, encouraging them to recognize their strengths and helping them excel in their roles. 

“Working with Arlene throughout my college career has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. She has been an incredible mentor, boss, and friend. I will always look up to her and cherish the guidance she provided,” said Thea Labuntog, alumna and former Office of Inclusion student employee.