Dr. Sarah Trembath, Interim Director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center (ARPC) at American University, has been recognized with AU’s Inclusive Excellence Award. This honor reflects her sustained commitment to advancing equity through teaching, research, and institutional leadership. She has also been appointed Director of ARPC for a three-year term, reflecting the university’s confidence in her leadership and vision.

As CAS Dean Linda Aldoory noted, “Professor Trembath’s teaching has not only addressed equity, justice, and diversity, but has also represented some of the best student outcomes in these areas.” Her writing courses are grounded in her research on critical reading and on remediation of K–12 cultural biases. In each of her classes, she helps students examine how race, culture, and power shape what is taught—and whose perspectives are included. Through a problem-posing approach that centers students’ lived experiences, Dr. Trembath creates an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are essential to the work of the classroom. This approach helps students become more confident, critical thinkers who can engage thoughtfully with complex questions of equity and representation.

Dr. Trembath’s commitment to inclusive excellence extends beyond the classroom to the broader mission of the university. She has played a key role in advancing equity-focused scholarship and resources, including her contributions as co-founding co-chair of the American University Critical Information Literacy Committee and as lead in the development of the Antiracist Subject Guide, a resource utilized across the university and world. A recognized expert on Critical Race Theory, she has held multiple leadership and service roles dedicated to equity and inclusion.

In her role as Interim Director of ARPC, Dr. Trembath has further expanded the center’s impact through research, student engagement, and institutional collaboration. Under her leadership, ARPC has launched the Sonia Sanchez Social Justice Scholars program, creating new opportunities for students to engage in research and be mentored by faculty. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to supporting student success while advancing the center’s mission of research, policy work, dialogue, and civic engagement.

“Taken together, her laudable efforts as the interim Director of ARPC, her teaching, research and continued commitment to university service reflect a sustained and far-reaching impact on inclusive excellence at the university,” Aldoory noted.

Dr. Trembath’s recognition underscores the importance of integrating equity-driven teaching, research, and leadership. Her work continues to shape student outcomes, strengthen institutional practices, and advance the mission of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center.