Spring 2013 True Colors - Kent State University

FROM THE DESK OF
DR. BROWN
Dear Friends,
Spring is a time of transition: A time to look ahead, but also a time to
reflect on the past and build on the work of those who came before us.
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) welcome this time
of transitioning; from building on the past, connecting to the present,
and working towards a visionary future for diversity. We are aiming for
transformative leadership throughout the university, a value that can
be held by all members of the Kent State family. Through collaborative
efforts we will transform our university into a place of national and
international distinction for inclusive excellence in action.
Spring semester at Kent State offers numerous opportunities for us to
appreciate the diverse heritage we all share. DEI’s areas lead major programming and often connected
to Black History and Women’s History months as well as bringing awareness to sexual assault during
the month of April. Though programming is a cornerstone of the work within DEI, our efforts often
include day-to-day support to students, faculty, staff and community members that work to benefit
the entire Kent State University community.
True Colors, our semi-annual division newsletter, shows how far we have come, as a division and a
university, in our progress for diversity and inclusion. I’m always pleased to reflect on how hard DEI
has worked and how much it has accomplished.
The stories in this issue of True Colors include highlights of academic and outreach activities by the DEI
team, including Native American and women’s events, breast cancer awareness, and activities of I AM, the
Inclusive Actions Movement, a re-imagining and refocusing of the 100 Commitments initiative.
Spring also is a time to celebrate our Upward Bound staff and programs, as we honor our graduating
seniors and wish them well on their journeys to the future. Spring will also include the release of the
division’s Equity Action Plan, our strategic vision and road map for the next five years.
These stories we tell and remember represent building blocks of progress. As a division, we help
assemble a university that embraces diversity work and is a national model of inclusion and equity.
The Kent State community continues to respond to our focused efforts in the pursuit of “inclusive
excellence,” which binds together President Lester A. Lefton’s Excellence in Action agenda.
What we do is important, and I continue to recognize the good work everyone does for Kent State,
its students, faculty and staff. True Colors is one vehicle in which to celebrate our distinctions and
our commonalities. I hope you enjoy this spring edition.
For the DEI staff members and all who work toward inclusive excellence:
Thank you,
Alfreda Brown
Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
2 Spring 2013