Diversity Awards Slated

Nationally recognized diversity authority James Anderson will be the keynote speaker for Utah State University’s 11th annual Diversity Awards Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. in the Eccles Conference Center Auditorium on campus.

 

Anderson is the vice president and associate provost for Institutional Assessment and Diversity at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on the development of student learning styles across gender, race, culture and class, and the examination of how diversity impacts retention. He edited a landmark book to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the historic Brown vs. Board of Education desegregation decision.

 

The Diversity Awards recognize individuals on campus or in the community who have made significant contributions to equal opportunity and diversity. This year’s recipients are Judith Holt, Elizabeth York, Liz Allred, Braden Jenkins, Emma Mecham and the staff and faculty of the Logan School District South Campus.

 

Special education and rehabilitation professor Holt directs the Interdisciplinary Training at the Center for Persons with Disabilities.

 

“Dr. Holt’s work encompasses an often overlooked aspect of diversity, that of persons with disabilities,” said Dave Ottley, a specialist with Utah State’s Affirmative Action Office.

 

Holt developed two unique academic programs that serve students and involve members of the community, faculty, staff and students, including individuals with disabilities and their family members.

 

Music professor York directs the Utah State University Music Therapy Program and serves as an associate dean in the College of HASS. Her work is focused on feminist music therapy intervention, particularly with women who have suffered abuse. She produced “Finding Voice,” which integrates music, poetry, dance and drama.

 

“The piece not only reflects the healing journey undertaken by battered women; it is also a window into the music therapy treatment process,” said Ottley. York’s previous work has focused on helping children and adults with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities, and she spearheaded the development of Allies on Campus, which provides support for students and staff to discuss sexual-orientation issues and experiences. Allies on Campus has trained approximately 40 faculty, staff and students who are committed to providing safe space.

 

Allred has traveled extensively and brings to Logan a very personal understanding of cultural diversity. She is committed to helping persons of differing ethnicities and economic levels. Allred volunteered with the homeless while living in Washington, D.C., and served as a literacy volunteer, working with minority women to improve reading, writing and English speaking skills. Her home is a gathering place for diversity, where international students and their families are always welcome for meals and celebrations. Allred is currently the volunteer advisor to Utah State’s International Student Council, where she works to promote international awareness, understanding and appreciation.

 

“Allred doesn’t seek recognition for her efforts,” said Ottley. “They simply come from the heart.”

 

Jenkins is an undergraduate marketing student who has been involved in the development and implementation of several multicultural student organizations, including the Academic Scholars Program and A.C.E.S. (Attitude, Character, Exploration, Synergy). While both these programs welcome all students, they focus on multicultural students, promoting the development of academic and personal accomplishments. Jenkins also helped establish REP (Realizing Education Potential) Week for incoming multicultural students. He coordinated the Affirmative Action Debate on campus, providing students and staff with an opportunity to hear both sides of the issue. Jenkins has been involved with the Utah Intercollegiate Assembly, where he played an integral role in developing a Utah legislative bill that proposed a diversity education requirement.

 

“Braden has had a powerful impact on the student body, faculty and administration concerning diversity issues,” said Ottley. “Through his efforts, many individuals have a greater respect and understanding of the importance of diversity.”

 

Mecham is a graduate student in English whose thesis advocates the use of culturally authentic literature in the classroom to promote literacy and achieve social justice. Mecham worked with the local Red Cross to make sure educational programs reached Hispanic families and blind and deaf students who had not previously been accommodated. Her teaching has taken her to Peru and Mexico, and she worked on a rainforest preservation education project in Costa Rica. She researched education projects in small villages in India and served as a volunteer in Calcutta at Mother Theresa’s hospital, treating malnutrition in children.

 

“Emma believes that valuing learning from all experiences is important, not only for her student’s sake, but for her sake too,” Ottley said.

 

The staff and faculty of Logan City School District South Campus were nominated by their principal, Elaine Wilcox. The South Campus is a diverse group of approximately 90 high school students, with 37 percent representing five different ethnic groups.

 

“Each staff member accepts the challenge of dealing with not only cultural diversity but also academic diversity, which ranges from the college ability level to the lower elementary level,” Wilcox said. Some staff members speak Spanish or assist with students who speak English as a second language.

 

The staff and students are involved in a number of multicultural events each year, many of them self-initiated, Wilcox said. Each spring a multicultural fair is held to celebrate the different cultural backgrounds found on campus. Students share unique foods, native clothing and cultural traditions. Many South Campus students volunteer at Woodruff Elementary School, where 35 percent of the student population is non-Caucasian. One student is currently developing curriculum and teaching an eight-week class to 4th and 5th graders about her Polynesian culture, geography and cuisine. Another student volunteers with students with disabilities at Wilson Elementary School.