Staff

Dr. Ronnie A. Dunn, is the Executive Director of the Diversity Institute and an Associate Professor of Urban Studies at Cleveland State University. In his role as the Chief Diversity Officer he is responsible for developing policies and practices that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the university and the broader community. Dr. Dunn's research interests include issues affecting minorities and the urban poor with expertise in race, crime, and the criminal justice system and the issue of racial profiling in particular.  His research and public policy analysis led to the use of traffic cameras in the city of Cleveland and municipalities throughout the state, Governor John Kasich's appointment of a statewide advisory board on Community-Police relations, and the introduction of bias-free policing legislation before the Cleveland City Council and as a statewide policing standard.  He is a Cleveland native, a CSU alumnus, an U.S. Air Force veteran and a frequent media commentator on various racial and social issues. He is the past the chair of the Cleveland NAACP's Criminal Justice Committee, and of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Kyle Znamenak, PhD 
Research Associate
k.znamenak@csuohio.edu

Dr. Kyle Znamenak is a diversity and research professional with over ten years of experience in professional development and applied research within higher education and community settings. His research focuses on adult learning, communities of practice, professional development, diversity, equity and inclusion, and community engagement. He is also an adjunct adult education professor in CSU's Adult, Professional, and Higher Education programs. Before coming to Cleveland State University, he worked as a Digital Strategist at a marketing and branding firm conducting marketing research and training to inform and implement client strategies. Outside the office, he utilizes research to develop and facilitate training and educational programs, including the Building Mutual Respect and Community Trust program, which has trained over 1000 police officers from Ohio and Michigan. He has also helped produce documentaries and online videos on DEI topics, such as the History of Cleveland's Chinatown. Kyle believes that through qualitative and quantitative research methods, organizations and communities may make more informed decisions while valuing individual experiences.