Paulette Patterson Dilworth, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion The University of Alabama at Birmingham is one of 38 institutions named to the Minority Access Inc. 2016 list of “Colleges and Universities Committed to Diversity” for its work expanding the pool of minority scientists, researchers and professionals in fields in which they are underrepresented.
In addition, UAB’s Paulette Patterson Dilworth, vice president for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Brian Ogendi, a doctoral student in biomedical sciences, were recognized as national role models by Minority Access Inc. during its annual National Role Models Conference held in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
“UAB’s inclusion among this select list of higher-education institutions is a testament to the university’s longstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion,” said President Ray L. Watts. “UAB remains dedicated to placing a high priority on educational equity and our overall diversity efforts, and we thank the students, faculty, staff and administration who have worked toward our diversity initiatives.”
Institutions included on the list were recognized for cooperating with the external community, faculty hiring, and diversifying the administration and support staff, plus recruiting, retaining, educating and graduating a diverse pool of students.
Minority Access, a nonprofit educational organization, provides support to individuals and entities of all kinds to help diversify campuses and work sites through improved minority recruitment and retention, and enhanced institutional experiences.
In September, UAB received its first national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.