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App State honors champions of inclusive excellence, on campus and in the community

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Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts, center, with the winners of the 2022 Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence: Dr. Brandon Nelson, far left, App State’s interim director of university housing, representing the Office of University Housing; Eris Jenkins, second from left, an App State graduate student; Lamont Sellers, third from left, App State’s director of intercultural student affairs; Chandler Smith, third from right, an App State undergraduate student; Yolanda Adams, second from right, family resource coordinator for Watauga County Schools; and Dr. Jamie Levine, associate professor in App State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. Photo by Troy Tuttle

“We strive each day to advance a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment at App State and in the communities we serve. It is important to recognize those who are deeply committed to the importance of this work and celebrate their accomplishments.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

By Megan Bruffy
Posted Jan. 31, 2022 at 4:08 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — An a cappella rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” opened the 2022 Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence Luncheon, held in Appalachian State University’s Parkway Ballroom on Jan. 10. App State alumnus Houston Sloan ’11 performed the song — which is often referred to as the Black national anthem — to kick off the event attended by Mountaineers and community members.

“We strive each day to advance a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment at App State and in the communities we serve. It is important to recognize those who are deeply committed to the importance of this work and celebrate their accomplishments.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

The awards — established by App State Chancellor Sheri Everts in 2020 — are designed to shine a light on individuals at App State and in the community whose work demonstrates an active, intentional and ongoing commitment to transformative change. The award honorees included App State staff and students, as well as a faculty member and a local community member.

“We strive each day to advance a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment at App State and in the communities we serve,” Everts said. “It is important to recognize those who are deeply committed to the importance of this work and celebrate their accomplishments.”

More than 80 people attended the event, including App State administrators, faculty, staff and students, local leaders, and teachers and students from the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork. Motivational speaker, entrepreneur, advocate and artist Monique Johnson gave the keynote address after the awards presentation.

The luncheon was presented by App State’s Office of the Chancellor and Office of Diversity. The Inclusive Excellence Awards Working Group helped create the new awards categories added this year. A selection committee composed of faculty, staff and a student vetted the nominees and put forth recommendations for this year’s awardees.

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Houston Sloan ’11 sings “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” during the 2022 Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence Luncheon held Jan. 10 at Appalachian State University. Sloan also serves on the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Accountability Team. Photo by Marie Freeman

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Students and teachers from the Appalachian State University Academy at Middle Fork attended the 2022 Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence Luncheon on App State’s campus, held Jan. 10. Photo by Troy Tuttle

About the award winners

Inclusive Excellence for Faculty

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Dr. Jamie Levine, associate professor in Appalachian State University’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Dr. Jamie Levine

Dr. Jamie Levine, associate professor in App State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence Faculty Award.

Interim Chief Diversity Officer Jamie Parson said Levine has “truly ignited change within her department.” In her nomination letters, Levine was lauded for making “equity, fairness and acceptance her mission.”

Levine has served as an inclusive excellence liaison in App State’s Center for Academic Excellence for three years. She has led her department in the execution of inclusion surveys and established a diversity, equity and inclusion committee within the department that includes student representation. She also created a discussion group through the URGE (Unlearning Racism in GEosciences) program, which focuses on improving accessibility, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.

Levine said she works to foster an inclusive environment on campus because “we need to focus on making everybody who is here feel valued, included and respected.”

Inclusive Excellence in the Community

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Yolanda Adams, family resource coordinator for Watauga County Schools. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Yolanda Adams

Yolanda Adams, family resource coordinator for Watauga County Schools (WCS), was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence in the Community Award.

Adams joined WCS in 2012 as the district’s Spanish interpreter and translator, and was then promoted to her current position. WCS Superintendent Scott Elliott praised Adams for her ability to build trusting relationships that extend through and even beyond the school system. He said, “She advocates and supports others in a manner that empowers them to advocate for themselves and to support others.”

Locally, Adams implemented a statewide initiative, the Juntos Program, which helps encourage 8th through 12th grade Latino students to pursue higher education. She also works to build bridges between the Latino community and law enforcement by helping organize events, including Coffee with a Cop and the Latino Fair. In 2020, she received the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Baker/Jones Woman of the Year Award.

Adams said her Chancellor's Award means “my voice is being heard, and I’m able to make an impact in our community.” She continued, “We are empowering and advocating for those who are underserved.”

Inclusive Excellence for Undergraduate Students

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Appalachian State University student Chandler Smith, a senior nutrition and foods major from Mecklenburg County. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Chandler Smith

App State student Chandler Smith, a senior nutrition and foods major from Mecklenburg County, was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence Undergraduate Student Award.

In her nomination letters, Smith’s work to support campus programming, including Body Positive App State, was highlighted, with one letter stating, “Chandler is a true advocate for her peers and those within the community.”

Smith said she believes diversity and inclusion are ongoing issues and she is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work.

Inclusive Excellence for Graduate Students

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Appalachian State University student Eris Jenkins, a graduate student majoring in student affairs administration from Asheville. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Eris Jenkins

Eris Jenkins, an App State graduate student majoring in student affairs administration from Asheville, was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence Graduate Student Award.

Parson said Jenkins serves as an intern in the Office of Diversity and she was impressed with Jenkins’ depth of knowledge and interest in emerging issues in the diversity, equity and inclusion space.

In their letters, nominators focused on Jenkins’ work to “make space for people” and how Jenkins finds a “great deal of joy in leading diversity, equity and inclusion work across campus.” Jenkins is the residence hall director in App State's Appalachian Heights and the office assistant for the Henderson Springs LGBT Center.

Regarding why they further diversity and inclusion at App State, Jenkins said, “I want people to feel like they belong here and that they deserve to be here.”

Inclusive Excellence for Staff

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Lamont Sellers, Appalachian State University’s director of intercultural student affairs. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Lamont Sellers

Lamont Sellers, App State’s director of intercultural student affairs, was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence Staff Award.

Parson said Sellers was hired in 2020 “at the height of the dual pandemics of COVID and racial injustice,” adding that he takes a “dynamic approach” to his position and is revitalizing the university’s approach to intercultural student development. Sellers also serves on the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Accountability Team.

One nomination letter noted his “steady demeanor” and “keen insight,” and others praised his calm and thoughtful approach, which “allows potentially triggering topics to be discussed collaboratively rather than combatively.”

Sellers said he is passionate about elevating diversity and inclusion at App State because he is “an educator at heart. This work is what fulfills me and gives me hope for our collective future,” Sellers said.

Inclusive Excellence in a Department

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Brandon Nelson, interim director of university housing at Appalachian State University. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Dr. Brandon Nelson

App State’s University Housing was presented the Chancellor’s Award for Inclusive Excellence Department Award. Dr. Brandon Nelson, App State’s interim director of university housing, accepted the award on behalf of the department.

Parson said, “University Housing’s proactive approach to addressing issues of equity serves as a role model for our campus.” One nomination letter noted the department’s commitment to inclusion “truly exists at a cultural level” and has a profound impact on the inclusion of both students and staff.

The department’s staff has participated in professional development opportunities, including implicit bias training and the Intercultural Development Inventory. Regarding the latter, the staff attended one-on-one sessions with certified facilitators to process their results and establish personal development plans.

Nelson said hundreds of staff and students support University Housing and are on the front lines with App State students. “Their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is imperative so all students who come to Appalachian feel welcome,” Nelson said.

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Motivational speaker, entrepreneur, advocate and artist Monique Johnson, left, presents a special painting she created for the university to Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts during the 2022 Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence Luncheon, held Jan. 10 at App State. The painting depicts several App State icons — the university’s seal, block A and Founders Bell, a snowy scene of Belk Library and Information Commons, the bronze Yosef statue on App State’s campus and Team Sunergy’s solar vehicle ROSE (Racing on Solar Energy). Photo by Marie Freeman

Keen insights from Monique Johnson

App State alumnus Xavier Williams ’21 introduced keynote speaker Monique Johnson, who also spoke at the Middle Fork Academy the same day.

Due to a genetic condition called diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism, Johnson stands only 2 feet tall and uses a motorized wheelchair. She has said she uses the power of her example to inspire others to overcome the impossible and never let anything stifle their greatness.

In her presentation, she asked, “What do you do when … you have to operate and live in an environment that does not recognize, celebrate or even respect who you are?”

“When it comes to addressing disability, diversity, equality and equity, I’ve come to understand that it is a matter of the heart,” she continued.

Johnson challenged the audience to commit to opening their minds and hearts to the uniqueness of each creation.

During the event, Johnson also presented a special painting she created for the university to Chancellor Everts. The painting depicts several App State icons — the university’s seal, block A and Founders Bell, a snowy scene of Belk Library and Information Commons, the bronze Yosef statue on App State’s campus and Team Sunergy’s solar vehicle ROSE (Racing on Solar Energy).

Born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Winston-Salem, she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University and a law degree from Elon University. Johnson is co-founder of Made 2 Soar and travels the country speaking and displaying her collections of original artwork. She refers to herself as “your favorite little artist.”

Her nephew, Jaden Lindsay, of Winston-Salem, is a first-year student at App State and a member of the Mountaineers football team.

What do you think?

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Progress continues
Progress continues

Diversity and inclusion initiatives have been a priority for Everts since she was installed as chancellor of App State in 2014. In September 2021, she announced several key enrollment successes that support the university’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Underrepresented student enrollment has reached an historic high. Just over 19% of the total first-year population identifies as underrepresented, an increase of 5.7% since last year,” Everts said. “We have more than doubled our first-year underrepresented enrollment since 2014 and, in the same time period, we have increased our total underrepresented student population by 66%.”

App State’s retention rate for underrepresented students is nearly 83%, which exceeds the national average.

Learn more
Hear more from Monique Johnson
Hear more from Monique Johnson

Johnson’s drive, dedication and joy are undeniable. Born with diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism and scoliosis, doctors predicted she would not live past the age of 6. Now 36, with a business degree and a law degree, Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and artist who touches lives around the world with her tale of perseverance and her gifts of humor, painting and motivational speaking. Johnson joins App State Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Communications Officer Megan Hayes on this all new SoundAffect.

Listen now
Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence
Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence

In January 2020, App State presented its inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence. These awards are designed to shine a light on individuals at App State and in the community whose work demonstrates their active, intentional and ongoing commitment to transformative change. Additional award categories were added in 2022.

Learn more
App State presents inaugural awards for inclusive excellence, welcomes poet Nikki Giovanni
App State presents inaugural awards for inclusive excellence, welcomes poet Nikki Giovanni
Jan. 17, 2020

Appalachian honored Dr. Claudia Cartaya-Marin, Rabbi Stephen Roberts and the Watauga County Schools Coffee Talk program with the inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence during a luncheon held Jan. 13 on the university’s campus.

Read the story

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, affordable education for all. 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.

“We strive each day to advance a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment at App State and in the communities we serve. It is important to recognize those who are deeply committed to the importance of this work and celebrate their accomplishments.”

App State Chancellor Sheri Everts

Progress continues
Progress continues

Diversity and inclusion initiatives have been a priority for Everts since she was installed as chancellor of App State in 2014. In September 2021, she announced several key enrollment successes that support the university’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Underrepresented student enrollment has reached an historic high. Just over 19% of the total first-year population identifies as underrepresented, an increase of 5.7% since last year,” Everts said. “We have more than doubled our first-year underrepresented enrollment since 2014 and, in the same time period, we have increased our total underrepresented student population by 66%.”

App State’s retention rate for underrepresented students is nearly 83%, which exceeds the national average.

Learn more
Hear more from Monique Johnson
Hear more from Monique Johnson

Johnson’s drive, dedication and joy are undeniable. Born with diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism and scoliosis, doctors predicted she would not live past the age of 6. Now 36, with a business degree and a law degree, Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and artist who touches lives around the world with her tale of perseverance and her gifts of humor, painting and motivational speaking. Johnson joins App State Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Communications Officer Megan Hayes on this all new SoundAffect.

Listen now
Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence
Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence

In January 2020, App State presented its inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence. These awards are designed to shine a light on individuals at App State and in the community whose work demonstrates their active, intentional and ongoing commitment to transformative change. Additional award categories were added in 2022.

Learn more
App State presents inaugural awards for inclusive excellence, welcomes poet Nikki Giovanni
App State presents inaugural awards for inclusive excellence, welcomes poet Nikki Giovanni
Jan. 17, 2020

Appalachian honored Dr. Claudia Cartaya-Marin, Rabbi Stephen Roberts and the Watauga County Schools Coffee Talk program with the inaugural Chancellor’s Awards for Inclusive Excellence during a luncheon held Jan. 13 on the university’s campus.

Read the story

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Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

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Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
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