School of Business DEIB staff spotlight: Sam Azzaro
Sam Azzaro (they/them) is the school’s DEIB student program coordinator
From pre-collegiate programming to workshops and summits, the KU School of Business Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) staff support students before, during and after their time at the School of Business and KU.
Sam Azzaro (they/them), joined the school during summer 2023 as DEIB student program coordinator, bringing with them experience in student affairs. Azzaro previously was the area director in Carleton College’s Residence Life Department and a complex director for KU Student Housing. Currently, they serve as director of marketing for the Coalition of Sexuality and Gender Identities within the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).
Get to know Azzaro, and learn more about the school’s DEIB student programs.
First off, introduce yourself.
Hi! I’m Sam Azzaro (they/them), and I currently serve as a DEIB student program coordinator within the School of Business. I am a KU alum with my master’s in higher education administration. Additionally, I have a bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
How did you get involved with DEIB at KU School of Business?
Previously I have worked in the student affairs side at KU with a role in KU Student Housing. I was very excited to explore the opportunity to work on the academic affairs side, especially with my own passions for DEIB work.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my role is the students I get to connect with daily. I help to oversee the MSP Scholars Program in Business (MBSP), where I help to plan and organize events and opportunities for our scholars to grow academically, personally and professionally. I love hearing about their accomplishments and being able to support them in any way that I can.
How does the DEIB team and its programming help students?
Our office aims to support and educate all students within the School of Business. Starting with our pre-collegiate programs and efforts, we connect with students early on to help them actualize their goals into a plan for their future. At KU, they are provided with support and new perspectives as we connect with students in their classes, our programming or scholarship program. Additionally, we work to prepare our students for their post-collegiate lives, making sure they have the tools and connections to succeed in their future endeavors after graduation.
What’s one thing that you want people to know about the DEIB team?
One thing to know about our office is that we are here for all of our students! We have some great programs coming up such as our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Leadership Summit (IDEALS) on March 8, 2024, in Capitol Federal Hall, which is open to all KU School of Business students. Beyond that, we have many programs that we host each year that are open for all students to engage and learn about.
If you could give students any piece of advice, what would it be?
My piece of advice for students is to truly take advantage of this time. Your college years go by quickly, so make sure to explore all that you can. Go to on campus events, and connect with on campus offices for support, guidance and for ways to get involved. My time in undergrad and graduate school was defined by all that I was involved in and the friends I made through those experiences.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We hope to see you at IDEALS and other DEIB School of Business events. Rock Chalk!
Visit business.ku.edu/deib for more information about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in the School of Business. Azzaro can be reached at samazzaro@ku.edu or in Room 1030B in Capitol Federal Hall.
By Lauren Hartwig
