The Division of Student Affairs celebrated those who make a difference at Kent State with its first-ever Equity, Identity, and Success recognition week held November 15-19.
For over 10 years, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) had a tradition of honoring staff and faculty who have aided students with disabilities through a unique recognition program. When the Equity, Identity, and Success (EIS) Pillar was formed last year by way of the new Division of Student Affairs strategic plan, an expansion of the recognition program was set into motion to include the multiple populations it serves.
Enter the Equity, Identity, and Success Recognition Week.
“This program provides awareness of the work of the EIS pillar, expands the work by spotlighting equity and identity champions, and creates opportunities to connect with faculty and staff for future collaborations,” said Assistant Vice President of EIS, Yvonna Washington-Greer. “This work is directly connected to the division’s priority number three, which states that we strive to maximize academic partnership for student learning and development.”
Students nominated 45 faculty and staff, but only nine were selected who best exemplify the overall promotion of inclusion and student success for populations served by the EIS pillar.
They are:
Professor and Ph.D. Program Director, Jennifer Wiggins-Lyndall (Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship and College of Business),
Doctoral Candidate and TA, Carla Everstijn (College of Communication and Information),
Adjunct Professor, Dalton Rininger Kline (College of Architecture and Environmental Design),
Support Services Coordinator, Yvette Roberts (Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services),
Admissions Counselor, Valerie Gonzalez (Kent State – Ashtabula),
Project Director, Clis Stauffer (Lifespan Development and Educational Studies),
Assistant Professor for Art History, Joseph Underwood (School of Art),
Associate Professor, Tammy Eschedor Voelker, (Research and Instructional Services, University Libraries)
and,
Assistant Professor of Physics, Thorsten-Lars Schmidt (Physics)
Those recognized were celebrated as part of a campaign on the Division of Student Affairs Instagram page. Additionally, each of the nine winners received a certificate.
Read about what each nominator had to say about the honorees.
“Those recognized have gone above and beyond to foster student success by removing barriers, providing a welcoming environment, and supporting a student’s identity as a student of color, LGBTQ+ student, a student with a disability, an adult or veteran student, international student, and/or a woman or non-binary student,” said Administrative Assistant for EIS, Ash Mierau. “We looked for nominations that demonstrated inclusive practices and dedication to supporting and uplifting students and their identities.”
The week-long celebration not only provided an opportunity to showcase those who are making a difference but highlighted equity-minded faculty and staff who put students first.
“We have many champions across campus, and this opportunity to highlight them is critical, necessary, and brings things full circle as students share, in their own words, how the staff/faculty made them feel,” said Washington-Greer.
“I absolutely love this recognition week!”
For more information on the Equity, Identity, and Success Pillar, visit its page.