Message from President Davenport

Thank you for gathering today to learn about and discuss diversity efforts on campus. I am disappointed that I cannot be here this afternoon for this important Forum. As many of you know, I am participating in the Governor’s Mission to China as part of the Education Delegation. During my trip, I am meeting with many educational and business leaders to discuss cooperative efforts in scientific research and student and faculty exchange opportunities. These efforts speak to our priorities of promoting diversity and internationalizing our campus.

I want to thank all of the members of the Diversity- International Education Week work group and the members of the President’s Diversity Commission for organizing this program which allows us to publicly review the progress, note successes and voice concerns we have in moving toward an inclusive campus environment that promotes the positive forces of a pluralistic society.

It is, indeed, encouraging to work with the leadership of our Diversity Commission and the Office of Institutional Diversity who continue to guide us in the improvement of our overall campus climate and to provide opportunities for all voices to be heard.

The University vice presidents have included diversity goals as part of their divisional work plans. They, in turn, asked their colleges/units to develop diversity goals into their respective work plans. Dr. Michael Fagin, Dean of Institutional Diversity, is currently reviewing these diversity plans with our vice presidents, deans, and unit directors. I have asked for a report from each vice president by December 1 on their division’s progress to date which I will share with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Diversity Commission. We want to be certain that all facets of the University are engaged in our strategic priority to promote diversity. Working in a collaborative and cooperative manner, we will take giant steps toward achieving our diversity goals. Richard Davenport President