FLORENCE– Officials with Minority Access announced this week that the University of North Alabama has been recognized as an institution committed to diversity for 2016.
UNA will receive formal recognition during the 17th National Role Models Conference in October in Washington, DC. The conference addresses issues of diversity and disparities in the U.S.
UNA’s Director of Diversity and Institutional Equity, Joan Williams, said she believes UNA was selected for this award based on the school’s holistic approach to pursue inclusive excellence.
“In the application packet, it was referenced that UNA’s commitment to diversity is exhibited by the Board of Trustees approval of the Strategic Diversity Plan and Search Protocol, along with including promoting an inclusive campus environment in its 2014-2019 Strategic Plan” said Williams. “This speaks to UNA’s understanding of the importance of diversity and inclusion as an imperative to achieve academic excellence.”
Williams said board-approved policies, along with initiatives like Diversity Education Week and scholarship programs like the Presidential Mentors Academy are what make UNA stand out among the rest!
Officials with Minority Access also thanked UNA for cooperating with the group to identify institutions committed to increasing the pool of scholars from underrepresented populations.
Williams said many individuals and departments across the University worked to make the campus more diverse and she hopes this award will give the campus the momentum to “keep working together to achieve inclusive excellence in every area of our community,” she said.
Media Release/University of North Alabama/Bryan Rachal
