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Minority Access President Andrea D. Mickle presents WIU President Jack Thomas with a Commitment to Diversity Award.
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WIU Receives Diversity Award

October 11, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- For its commitment to a diverse campus, Western Illinois University recently was recognized by Minority Access, Inc.

President Jack Thomas accepted the Minority Access, Inc. Commitment to Diversity award on behalf of WIU at the 17th Annual National Role Models Conference in Washington, D.C. Western was among 38 colleges and universities from across the U.S., and the only Illinois public institution, recognized. Thomas was also part of the panel, "An Agenda for Improving Diversity and Eliminating Disparities."

"Part of Western Illinois University's mission is to educate and prepare a diverse student population to thrive in, and make positive contributions to, our global society. Diversity is an integral part of Western's Strategic Plan, and providing equal access and opportunity to all students is a priority," Thomas said. "We are most proud to be recognized by Minority Access, Inc. for our efforts to provide an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all."

In addition to recruiting an ethnically diverse student body, the University also actively recruits underrepresented minority faculty and administrative staff through the dissertation fellowship and visiting professor programs. Since 2006, Western has increased its total minority enrollment by 20.3 percent.

Western also houses numerous student organizations dedicated to diversity, including the Black Student Association, Latin American Student Organization, Korean Student Association, International Friendship Club, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Feminist Action Alliance, Unity, Tradicion Hispana Dance Troupe, Cultural Expressions Club, NAACP and more.

"We are inspired by the strategies that colleges and universities employ to advance diversity on their campuses," said Minority Access President Andrea D. Mickle. "Minority Access applauds the colleges and universities that are embracing visions of diversity and inclusion to eliminate disparities that will propel us forward toward a better society."

The criteria for selection for the Commitment award includes how the institution embraces diversity, the institution's past experience(s) with diversity, strategies for creating a more inclusive environment and statistical results of the institution's diversity strategies.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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