Announcements

As we begin a new semester and a new year. I’m pleased to provide you with an update on App State’s universitywide diversity and inclusion initiatives. Next month, App State will continue a longstanding tradition of celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with two signature events that continue key aspects of his legacy: a day of service and a distinguished speaker focused on changing our world for the better.

Read more from Commemorating MLK with a focus on health equity, service to others

November is Native American Heritage Month, when our country recognizes the significant contributions of America’s Indigenous peoples. App State has planned several activities this month to celebrate our nation’s Native American heritage, building upon the Oct. 24 Gadugi Fall Speaker Series event “Voting in Indian Country: The View from the Trenches” and the Nov. 2 showing of “Powerlands” (part of the American Indian Film Series).

Read more from Affirming Native American heritage and recognizing veterans in November

App State is celebrating Indigenous People’s Day today to recognize the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years and honor their histories, resilience and many contributions to our world. I invite you to join our community at a special program this evening, Why Ira Walked: The Struggle to Teach American Indian History, to commemorate this important day.

Read more from Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day and LGBTQ+ History Month

App State’s official enrollment numbers for fall 2022 show continued progress in broadening representation among students to better reflect the state population. Under Chancellor Sheri Everts’ leadership, we have the most diverse student body in university history for the eighth year in a row, with 18.6% of students who are racially and/or ethnically underrepresented. This represents a 66% increase since 2014. Of all the racially/ethnically underrepresented student groups, the Hispanic/Latine population is the largest, representing 8% of our student population, and has grown significantly since fall 2014, increasing by 123%.

Read more from Celebrating National Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month

At App State, we are committed to cultivating and supporting a welcoming university community and an academic culture of collaboration and respect through education and inclusive practices. As we begin our fall semester, I want to share information about upcoming events as well as resources available to help you connect with the diversity, equity and inclusion work taking place across campus.

Read more from A community of collaboration, respect and inclusive practices

The inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report arrives at a critical juncture for diversity, equity and inclusion work on App State’s campus. We are working to implement recommendations from the UNC System Racial Equity Task Force, Black at App State and various working groups. App State continues to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. And we cannot negate the fierce impact that the dual pandemics of the last few years have had on our campus community.

Read more from App State’s diversity, equity and inclusion work detailed in 2021-22 annual report

I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the chief diversity officer at App State. Thank you to Chancellor Everts for championing this work for our university, and to all who prioritize and support diversity, equity and inclusion on our campus. We all play a role in this work.

Read more from Commemorating Pride Month, Juneteenth & Memorial Day

Earlier this month we held our annual Diversity Celebration. This year’s celebration centered around storytelling, expressed through creative endeavors such as dance, literature and film. A special thanks goes out to all of those who joined the celebration by showcasing or attending.

Read more from A year of work and progress

At App State, we value a learning environment that is conducive to knowledge, respect, acceptance, understanding and global awareness. While we look to build a future grounded in these principles, part of our work is acknowledging and honoring the contributions of those from the past.

Read more from Acknowledging and honoring those who came before us

The recent attack on Ukraine evokes a number of emotions, concerns and challenges for those in our campus community. We recognize that this is felt particularly by our military-affiliated campus population, as well as those with family and loved ones living in or visiting the region.

Read more from App State stands with those affected by the conflict in Ukraine