Meet Our Staff
Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP
Associate Vice Chancellor for Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity
Chief Diversity Officer
malston1@uthsc.edu
Dr. Alston’s employment within The University of Tennessee System spans 30+ years with stints at UT- Martin, UT-Knoxville, and UT Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. Michael's work experience in higher education encompasses residence life administration, student recruitment and admissions, undergraduate instruction, employee relations, student conduct administration and equity and diversity.
He is an alumnus of The University of Tennessee at Martin earning a BS in Psychology and MS in Educational Psychology and Guidance. Michael also has an earned doctorate in higher education administration from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in addition to a professional certificate/certification in Diversity Management from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
Michael is a native of Brighton, Tennessee in Tipton County and graduate of Munford High School.
Miriam Ghandi
ADA/EEO Management Specialist
mghandi@uthsc.edu
As the ADA/EEO Management Specialist, Miriam’s duties include facilitating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Interactive Process, overseeing EEO compliance, primary complaint intake and investigation assistance, posting Post-Doctoral Scholar and faculty positions, and serving as a facilitator for the Diversity Certificate Program and Educational Packages.
As a Memphis native, Miriam attended the University of Memphis and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in Fall of 2020. She joined the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in early December 2021.
Abigail Marbibi-Caritan, MA
EEO/Titile IX Management Specialist
abigail.caritan@uthsc.edu
Abigail’s duties include processing ADA accommodations including Trainee accommodations and accessible parking. She is the liaison for faculty postings for the College of Medicine for all campuses and the College of Dentistry. Upper-level searches for the Executive Vice Chancellor Administration and AFSA are also part of her duties. Abigail oversees Title IX Education for Trainees, compiling data for the EEO/ Affirmative Action Plan and complaint intake.
Abigail is a University of Memphis graduate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in May 2017 and a Master of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in Human Resource Leadership and Strategic Leadership certification in December 2021. Abigail has been with OIED since March 2022.
Miki Sisco-Sankrityayan, JD
Senior Compliance Resolution Officer
msiscosa@uthsc.edu
Miki Sisco-Sankrityayan started as the OIED’s Senior Compliance Resolution Officer in May 2022. Miki works collaboratively with OIED’s partners to ensure UTHSC’s compliance with federal and state antidiscrimination laws, as well as university policies and procedures, by: conducting impartial investigations of complaints of discrimination; facilitating informal resolutions of complaints; providing training on antidiscrimination laws, university policies, and diversity and inclusion-related issues, and; monitoring, reviewing, and approving executive, faculty, and staff hiring.
Miki received her B.A. in Anthropology from Bates College, her M.A. in Anthropology and Women’s & Gender Studies from Brandeis University, and her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law. Prior to joining UTHSC, she practiced domestic violence and employment discrimination law.
Brittany Hart
Associate Engagement Officer
bhart10@uthsc.edu
Brittany’s prior counseling and community engagement work has led her to a committed career path in higher education, focusing on how people filter their lives through their identity, interact, and make decisions. She joined UTHSC in February 2023 after a successful career in the local non-profit community.
In her duties as the Associate Engagement Officer, Brittany will coordinate strategic initiatives and programs, develop, and deliver educational training and facilitate workshops on various topics, ensure hiring compliance involving equal employment opportunity/affirmative action and university policy and procedures, and investigate complaints (i.e., harassment; discrimination) as well as resolve issues that may be inconsistent with UT policy involving students, trainees, staff, and faculty.
Brittany is a native of Savannah, Tennessee, and a Hardin County High School graduate. She is an Alumna of the University of Memphis and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in December 2010. She also holds a professional certificate/certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
Arielle Brown, LMSW
Associate Resolution Consultant
abrow294@uthsc.edu
Arielle Brown’s preferred pronouns are She, Her, and Hers. As the Associate Resolution Consultant, Arielle’s duties include evaluating and ensuring UTHSC’s compliance with nondiscrimination and anti-harassment laws, regulations, and institutional policies by conducting impartial investigations of complaints of discrimination and/or harassment complaints submitted by students, employees, faculty, and others associated with UTHSC that may encompass providing alternative and formal resolutions. She also will support and facilitate UTHSC campus outreach and engagement training/activities within OIED.
Arielle received her B.S. degree in Sociology from Middle Tennessee State University and her M.S.W. degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis. Arielle’s work experience in higher education includes undergraduate and graduate student support services, student behavioral risk mitigation/evaluation, undergraduate instruction, working on the university faculty/staff senate, and serving as the primary faculty/staff liaison for students. Arielle is a native Memphian who believes in and advocates for the upward mobility/success of her beloved city and its people!