November 19, 2019
Diversity Programs Office Update
Greetings everyone! We are half-way through the semester, which means classes are getting busier and the holiday season is among us. The Diversity Programs Office (DPO) hopes that your classes are going well; remember that we are here if you need help.
As an update, the fall 2019, Growing Our Mindset Diversity Forum was a success and we thank Troy Anderson, VP – Operations at Ardent Mills for serving as our Facilitator. He is a College of AG Alumnus and we are so thankful that he shares his time and talents with the college. Such a great example to our students. During the forum, the audience was engaged and his presentation was informative. Thanks to our faculty for your support as well. The forum took place on Tuesday, October 15, in Town Hall of the Leadership Studies Building, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Overall, it was a productive session and prepared our college faculty, staff, and students to engage in the KS Unite program in November. Our own Dr. Zelia Wiley and Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., presented at the 2019 KS Unite and we would like to thank all who attended their session, “Essentials for Diversity Programming and Recruitment Success.”
Thanks for our continued partnership with Project IMPACT for our College for a Day sessions. This year we hosted Washington High School Animal Sciences Academy, Kansas City, KS on October 23, and White Elementary School, Wichita, KS on November 14. Both sessions were a success. It was also wonderful collaborative effort with the College of Veterinary Medicine, K-State MANRRS Chapter and DMSA (Diversity and Multicultural Student Affairs).
On Tuesday, November 19, the KSTATE MANRRS Chapter will collaborate with the K-STATE Kappa Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to donate gently worn shoes to Sole4Souls, www.soles4souls.org. If you choose to donate, there will be a box at the Diversity Programs Office (DPO) and we hope you will share during this time of giving.
Congratulations to our director, Dr. Zelia Wiley, as she was recently awarded the 2019 Administrator Role Model Award from Minority Access, Inc. at its National Role Models Conference. The Administrator Award is presented to individuals for their exemplary achievements in expanding opportunities for others. A colleague at Michigan State University, Dr. Lorraine Weatherspoon, nominated Wiley for the award. Minority Access' Role Models Project honors inspiring students, faculty, alumni, innovators and diverse institutions as role models to expand the pool of minority scientists, researchers and professionals in fields under-represented by minorities.
Finally, K-STATE MANRRS will have its annual Friendsgiving on Wednesday, November 20, at 6 p.m. in Waters Hall, room 137. It will also serve as an opportunity to continue our donation to Soles4Souls.org and to the Cats Cupboard. This is time where we celebrate friends, good food and fellowship. All are welcome, but we ask you to RSVP to lhobbs@ksu.edu or call 785-532-5793. Happy Thanksgiving!
Your continued support of our program efforts is appreciated. For more information on future events, please contact Dr. Wiley’s email, zwiley@ksu.edu, or the DPO at 785-532-5793.