Commitment to Diversity

Education students engage with
College of Education faculty members
at the Ohio University Zanesville campus .

The College of Education embraces a definition of diversity consistent with Vision Ohio and OHIO's Office of Diversity, Access, and Equity: Diversity is a dynamic phenomenon, which means that any definition of diversity necessarily will miss some of its evolving features. With that caveat in mind, this document defines diversity as signifying difference and heterogeneity between and among individuals, groups, and cultures. Specifically, diversity is inclusive of all ages, races, ethnic groups, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, national origins, cultures, socioeconomic classes, capabilities, ways of thinking, geographic regions, and religions. Ohio University’s own statement on diversity affirms its commitment “to promoting an atmosphere where understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial differences are ensured.”

Diversity is a core value of the College of Education. The Unit prepares leader-educators and practitioners who appreciate the variety in human cultural expression, employ multiple approaches to inquiry, use knowledge and practice for the benefit of a diverse society, and promote social equity and justice for effective civic engagement.

The College of Education's 2008-09 Dean's Advisory Committee on Diversity (DACD) is a standing committee in the College each year. The committee receives their charge from the dean of the College. This year the committee was charged with the following:

1. Develop programming that will engage the faculty in discussions necessary for creating a positive climate for multicultural diversity to thrive. Bring in scholars that can be used to stimulate dialogue.

2. Develop a statement on the College’s commitment to multicultural diversity for consideration by the faculty and approval by the College Coordinating Council.

3. Examine to what extent faculty are incorporating multicultural diversity in the curriculum, teaching, syllabi, etc.

Members of the 2008-09 Dean's Advisory Committee on Diversity:

Najee Muhammad Chair
Associate Professor, Educational Studies

Yegan Pillay
Assistant Professor, Counseling & Higher Education

Kelly Davidson
Academic Advisor, Office of Student Affairs

Ayanna Jordan
Director, Upward Bound

Mary Gibbons Mize
Records Management Associate, Office of Student Affairs

Guofang Wan
Professor, Teacher Education

Mary Barbara Totten
Curriculum and Training Specialist, Literacy Center

Amanda Strimple
Undergraduate student representative

Tamela Dixon
Graduate student representative

Renée A. Middleton (Ex Officio)

Dean, College of Education