BOONE, N.C. — Nearly 75 employees participated in Appalachian State University’s daylong Inclusion Infusion Summer Institute hosted by the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and the Division of Academic Affairs on June 5.

Goals of the second annual event included strengthening awareness of how the campus community can encourage inclusionary practices and relationships that support a state in which everyone is valued, respected and supported. Participants also learned about social justice and methods to address macro- and microaggressions.

The keynote address was provided by Ricardo Nazario y Colón, chief diversity officer for Western Carolina University, who spoke on “What ‘Gen Next’ and ‘IGen’ hear: Contradictions in American Pluralism, Democracy and Diversity.”

Four students participated in a diverse student discussion panel to share their experiences. Other speakers were Dr. Elicka Sparks, of the Department of Government and Justice Studies, who discussed how to attract and retain LGBTQIA students, faculty and staff, and Dr. Nancy Love, also of the Department of Government and Justice Studies, who spoke about hate messages in contemporary music.

In introducing the event, Chancellor Sheri Everts said it “shines a light on diversity initiatives” at Appalachian, which are ongoing. In 2014, Everts charged the Chancellor’s Commission on Diversity to provide recommendations focused on the recruitment and retention of students, staff and faculty from underrepresented groups. After a year of thoughtful work, 14 proposals were presented to the chancellor, which have been explored, with many acted on and more under consideration.

Fostering a culture of inclusive excellence

March 1, 2018

Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Willie C. Fleming outlines his goal of “inclusive excellence” at Appalachian State University.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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