Topics: College of Sciences and Humanities, Student Affairs, Teachers College
September 21, 2007
<b>Charles Payne</b>
For the second consecutive year, Ball State has been recognized for its commitment to diversity by Minority Access Inc.
Mary Kite, a Ball State psychological sciences professor, also was recognized by the organization as a faculty role model for 2007 during the annual National Role Models conference Sept. 15 in Arlington, Va.
Ball State was honored for making diversity one of the cornerstones of the university's current strategic plan, as well as the developing diversity-oriented centers, including Multicultural Center and Diversity Policy Institute. Charles Payne, the assistant provost who oversees the Diversity Policy Institute and a secondary education professor, accepted the award on behalf of the university.
"I can think of few accolades that mean more than to be called a role model," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. "All of us at Ball State should feel honored at the university's recognition again by Minority Access for leadership in promoting inclusion and diversity on campus.
"Special congratulations, too, go to Professor Kite, whose personal role model award also brings great distinction to the university."
Kite was recognized for her efforts to improve diversity within the psychological science department. Her efforts include obtaining an external grant aimed toward graduate faculty development in the area and spearheading an initiative that resulted in her department requiring a diversity component in all graduate courses.
Kite is also serving as chair of the national task force on Diversity Education Resources for the American Psychological Association.
Minority Access Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization that supports individuals, academic institutions, federal, state and local government agencies and various corporations to diversify campuses and work sites by improving the recruitment, retention and enhancement of minorities.
More information about the organization may be found at www.minorityaccess.org.
By Marc Ransford, Senior Communications Strategist