Excellence in Diversity Awards Presented during 2024 Convocation of Scholars
Those recognized at the Excellence in Diversity Awards Luncheon during Convocation of Scholars were (from left) Dr. Carlitta Moore, Dr. Carmen Lanos Williams, Ian Buchanan, Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, and Dr. H. Steve Leslie.
JONESBORO – Five individuals who have helped foster a more diverse environment at Arkansas State University and the Jonesboro community were recognized as recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Diversity Awards during Convocation of Scholars.
Dr. Yvette Murphy-Erby, professor of social work and former vice chancellor for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Arkansas, was guest speaker for the awards luncheon.
The Excellence in Diversity Awards program highlights individuals and organizations who have demonstrated the highest commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion over the past year, according to Dr. Lonnie Williams, vice chancellor for the Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement at A-State.
In recognition of their achievements, three individuals received the Excellence in Diversity Award:
* Dr. Carlitta Moore is assistant professor in the Master of Athletic Training degree program and assistant dean of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Moore has become well known on campus for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion.
* Dr. H. Steve Leslie is an assistant professor of business communication in the Neil Griffin College of Business. His research interests include school violence, human communication, ethics and leadership, as well as gender equity.
* Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar is a professor of plant metabolic engineering in the Department of Biological Sciences. He serves as president of the A-State Latina/o Faculty and Staff Association and as liaison for the Northeast Arkansas Hispanic Professional Network. He has been a co-adviser for the Hispanic-based mentoring student organization Hermana y Hermano and mentor to the Diversifying Our Caring Community (DOCC) program.
Those receiving the Champion of Diversity Award for their contributions and leadership are:
* Dr. Carmen Lanos Williams, director of the A-State Honors College and assistant professor of English and heritage studies. Her work with the Heritage Studies PhD program included a redesign of a capstone course featuring interdisciplinary scholarship about marginal experiences, thus empowering students to conduct research seeking to unearth gaps in scholarship among marginal populations.
* Ian Buchanan, a member of the University Advising staff and president of the Staff Senate, started Dress for Life, an organization that teaches young men the art of proper presentation and how to operate as men. His organization, which has gone into high schools and colleges in multiple states, has expanded into both a gentlemen’s and leadership academy.
Recipients of the Diversity Awards are selected by a university committee from among a slate of nominations. Additional details about the Excellence in Diversity Awards program and award criteria are available online.
