Feb. 10, 2005
By Laura Lee Bloor
In support of President Roderick McDavis' goal of enhancing diversity on campus, an assortment of Ohio University faculty and staff will be sharing their opinions on the issue through a series of monthly panels.
Beginning Feb. 14, these public conversations will provide an opportunity for staff, faculty and students to learn about the experiences of various groups through personal narratives, Assistant Ombuds Katherine Ziff says.
"It's a way to learn from the diversity we already have here," she says.
Bill Smith, executive assistant to the president for institutional equity, originated the idea and designated Ziff as coordinator of the events. Her supervisor, Elizabeth Graham, university ombuds, and Caitlyn Murray, undergraduate student, have helped organize the panels as well, says Ziff.
Once the moderators agreed to participate in the panels, the project took on a life of its own and continued to grow with the addition of more speakers. Ziff says she is thankful for the panelists and moderators involvement and hopes the community will come show their support at the events.
The Affirming Diversity at Ohio University public conversations will be available to be viewed via streaming video at http://streaming.cns.ohiou.edu/diversity for those who are unable to attend in person.
Although the panelists are not finalized yet for the April and May series, Ziff says the schedules for February and March have been confirmed.
Affirming Diversity at Ohio University Panel Series
All panels will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at Baker University Center 1804 Lounge with a light lunch provided.
Monday, Feb. 14
"Profiles in Courage: the African American experience at Ohio University"
Moderator: Glenn A. Doston, professor of counseling and higher education
Moderator and panel introduction: First Lady Deborah McDavis
Panelists: William L. Allen, associate dean of University College; Stacey Brinkley, associate director of admissions; Lindsey Sebastian Bryson, assistant professor of civil engineering; Najee Emerson Muhammadm, associate professor of educational studies; Connie R. Perdreau, director of education abroad; and G. Christine Taylor, interim assistant to the president for diversity
Wednesday, March 9
"Women in Academia: Women in Leadership at Ohio University"
Moderator: Kathy Krendl, interim provost
Panelists: Susan R. Burgess, associate professor of political science and director of women's studies; Margaret F. Cohn, dean emerita of the Honors Tutorial College; Nicolette Dioguardi, associate director of legal affairs and lecturer in law of management systems; Ann Paulins, associate professor and director of human and consumer sciences; and Patti L. Pennell, associate director of retail operation and dining services
Wednesday, April 20
"Out in Academia: the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Experience at Ohio University"
Moderator: Mickey Hart, LGBT programs center coordinator
Panelists: To Be Announced
Wednesday, May 4
"International Voices of Ohio University"
Moderator: Matthew Adeyanju, professor and director of health sciences
Panelists: To be announced; welcome by Josep Rota, associate provost for international programs and director, Center for International Studies
Laura Lee Bloor is a student writer with University Communications and Marketing. Related Links:
