Institutional Diversity, Equity, Advocacy and Leadership (IDEAL) proudly remembers and honors the life of Michelle Benns-Cook, a dedicated Temple Owl, who passed away unexpectedly last spring. Michelle was a committed faculty and staff member within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and was a passionate advocate for social justice. Her tireless efforts and unwavering support for IDEAL's mission have left an indelible mark on our department and the University.

Michelle played a pivotal role as an active member of the DEI Collaborative—a coalition of liaisons, researchers and dedicated individuals across the Temple community, focused on fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. Since the inception of the Collaborative in 2021, Michelle served as CEHD’s representative, tirelessly advocating for DEI initiatives and ensuring that these critical efforts remained at the forefront of her college's agenda. Her willingness to share her experiences and expertise with other DEI liaisons significantly enriched the collaborative's work.

In addition to her role in the DEI Collaborative, Michelle served as an Equal Opportunity Ombudsperson. In this capacity, she worked with faculty, staff and students to address informal complaints of discrimination, harassment and bias. Despite the often challenging nature of these cases, Michelle approached each one with a positive attitude, a genuine willingness to listen and learn and a focused determination to find solutions.

Michelle's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extended far beyond her professional responsibilities. She completed the Graduate Certificate in Diversity Leadership and Facilitation, underscoring her dedication to advancing these ideals. Furthermore, she co-authored a chapter in the book Incivility and Higher Education: The Costs of Behavior with Dr. Nelia Viverios, one of the book's editors. Her chapter, which delves into collective bargaining and unions, explored the vital role that unions can play in creating equitable and inclusive environments within higher education, particularly for women, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).

Michelle Benns-Cook's legacy is a testament to her enduring commitment to making the world a more just, inclusive and equitable place. Her contributions to the Temple community and beyond will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of working with her.