LaShonda Carter, PhD, Named RCC’s December Faculty Equity Spotlight

The Riverside City College (RCC) Student Equity Committee is proud to announce LaShonda Carter, PhD, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies, as the December Faculty Equity Spotlight honoree. This recognition celebrates faculty whose work exemplifies leadership in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), as well as deep engagement in teaching, service, and campus community-building.

Carter, a tenure-track faculty member at RCC, teaches courses in Black feminism, African American Studies, Ethnic Studies foundations, and the histories of race, gender, and political struggle. She earned her Ph.D. in Culture & Theory from the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on Black feminisms, racial and sexual violence, political theory, and Black political thought and has been published in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, The Journal of Intersectionality, Critical Ethnic Studies, and Theory & Event.

At RCC, Carter plays an instrumental leadership role. She leads curriculum development across Ethnic Studies, co-advises the Ethnic Studies Student Club, and tri-chairs the Teaching and Learning Leadership Council. She also contributes to significant districtwide efforts, including the AI education grant and participation in the AAC&U Institute. Her work consistently elevates equity-minded pedagogy, culturally responsive curriculum, and community engagement.

A Commitment to Student-Centered, Equity-Minded Teaching

Carter’s teaching philosophy is informed by her own experience as a nontraditional student navigating higher education. She is dedicated to building classrooms where students, particularly first-generation, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and nontraditional learners, can see their possibilities, develop critical consciousness, and experience true belonging.

“I design courses that center the intellectual traditions of Ethnic Studies and Black feminist thought while honoring the diverse lived realities of our students,” said Carter. “My purpose is to stand in the spaces where students might otherwise fall through the cracks, offering guidance, clarity, and encouragement as they recognize their potential and move toward futures they may not yet imagine.”

Carter’s nominator shared the following reflection on her impact:

“Dr. Carter is a dynamic professor, colleague, and community member. She has led efforts to solidify Ethnic Studies and tirelessly works within RCCD to ensure we are delivering on all levels. She has led the way to launch the Ethnic Studies Club and support COR revisions. She is amazing and truly a gift to have at RCC.”

The Student Equity Committee extends its appreciation to Carter for her ongoing leadership, scholarship, and unwavering commitment to student success. Her work embodies the mission of RCC to build an inclusive, supportive, and transformative learning environment for all students.

About the Faculty Spotlight Award

The Faculty Spotlight is a monthly recognition presented by Riverside City College’s Student Equity Committee. The award highlights both part-time and full-time faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Faculty who create inclusive classrooms, champion equity for student groups, and strengthen the campus community are celebrated through this honor.

Anyone may nominate a faculty member for recognition. Nominations may reflect sustained DEIA leadership, innovative practices, measurable outcomes, collaborative engagement, or service that dismantles barriers and promotes student success. To submit a nomination, please complete the [Faculty Spotlight Nomination Form].