Ramapo College has always prided itself on its commitment to creating an inclusive campus environment. As the college enters a critical stage in its history, it welcomes a new hire whose experiences and passion align perfectly with its ongoing mission to foster a more inclusive community.
Costin Thampikutty, the new Associate Director of Campus Inclusion and Intercultural Affairs, is ready to make a meaningful impact at Ramapo. With his background in creating spaces for diverse student groups and his dedication to fostering inclusivity, Thampikutty is set to help the college take its efforts to the next level.
Thampikutty’s decision to join Ramapo College is grounded in his research and understanding of the pivotal stage that Ramapo is currently at in its development within higher education.
“If you think about it in terms of sports,” he said in an email to The Ramapo News, “Ramapo is really competing for its place in the landscape of public higher education.”
Ramapo has been strengthening its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and Thampikutty sees the potential for further growth and impact.
His experience in creating inclusive spaces for various student populations, such as sophomore residential students, commuter students and first-generation STEM students, has equipped him with a unique set of skills and insights.
At Ramapo, he is excited to use these experiences to expand the college’s inclusivity efforts.
“As we ascend into a greater degree of campus inclusion, I get to leverage my previous experiences to impact our campus more widely,” he said.
One of the things Thampikutty is most excited about in his new role is the opportunity to bring his personal passions into his future endeavors.
“I have a range of passions, and I’m finding ways to bring that into my work,” he said, noting that his interests span from his doctoral research to his love for hip-hop culture and attending InterFaith events on campus.
Growing up in the Bronx, hip-hop played a major role in shaping who he is, and it continues to inspire him today.
“Hip-hop really spoke to me,” Thampikutty said, and he plans to bring this passion to the Ramapo campus in creative ways. For him, the opportunity to combine personal passions with professional work is what makes this role so exciting.
“When you find yourself in a role where you get to cultivate your passions like this, the sky feels like the limit,” he said.
Of course, with passion come challenges. As a husband, father of a toddler and Ph.D. candidate, balancing work, family and personal pursuits is no easy task. However, Thampikutty has a refreshing perspective on work-life balance, which he refers to as a “blend.”
“Depending on the circumstances, we constantly have to readjust and prioritize,” he said.
By viewing balance as a dynamic, ever-changing process, he’s ready to navigate whatever challenges come his way while staying committed to his role and family.
When talking about inclusivity, Thampikutty made it clear that for him, it’s not just about creating safe spaces, it’s about offering opportunities for students to connect with one another across differences.
“All members of the Ramapo community should be able to find spaces that explicitly affirm and empower their cultural heritage along with the various, intersecting social identities they hold,” he said.
Thampikutty is also focused on creating opportunities for intercultural engagement on campus.
“I believe that through EDIC, our Multicultural Center and our collaborators, we’re going to be exploring culture in some exciting, nontraditional ways in the near future,” he said.
His goal is to create opportunities for students to engage with each other in authentic ways, breaking down barriers and building connections.
As Ramapo College continues to grow and evolve, Thampikutty’s vision for the future is all about inclusivity, passion and collaboration. With his experience and his dedication to fostering a diverse community, he is ready to make a lasting impact.
By combining his personal passions with his professional goals, Thampikutty brings a fresh perspective to Ramapo that will help shape the college’s future in exciting ways.
lkelyman@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Jordan Baham
