Messages from the Chief Diversity Officer
In the space between the end of one academic year and the beginning of another, I enjoy taking the time to reflect upon all that our university does to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to be successful in the next chapter of their lives.
Read more from Celebrating the unique stories of our May 2023 graduates
App State defines diversity on our campus as diversity of thought, belief and community. This broad approach intentionally includes many identities, such as race, gender, first-generation status, low-income status, veteran status, religion, neurodiversity, disability and political affiliation.
On behalf of the App State leadership and community, I would like to express my support to our Jewish community following last night’s incident at the Temple of the High Country, where a Nazi flag was draped over the Temple’s sign. While the flag was not displayed on campus, such an expression of hatred and anti-semitism impacts the wellbeing and sense of safety and belonging that all members of our campus community deserve.
Read more from Supporting one another with inclusive practices, celebrating Black History Month
App State will launch our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Climate Survey for employees and students tomorrow. This survey is a great opportunity for the university to hear from every Mountaineer, so please make sure your voice is heard. EXPRESS YOSEF by completing the survey!
Read more from App State’s DEI Climate Survey kicks off tomorrow
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