Newberry College Honored for Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Newberry College was recognized for its commitment to diversity and creating a campus culture of inclusivity at the 18th annual National Role Models Conference hosted by Minority Access Incorporated, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, 2017, in Washington, D.C. 

“Minority Access is pleased to bestow this special honor on Newberry College in recognition of its current commitment to diversity,” said Mason Monroe, director for Minority Access Incorporated, an organization whose mission is ‘Improving diversity in education, employment and research.’” We congratulate you on your innovative diversity initiatives and your work to decrease disparity.” 

Newberry College’s Director for Diversity Education, Dr. Peggy Barnes-Winder, accepted the award on behalf of the college. 

“As we consider the challenges we face as a society, it’s important that we not only talk the talk, but that we actually walk the walk,” Barnes-Winder said. “For Newberry College, that means we strive to provide our campus community with programming that emphasizes an appreciation and respect for diversity and inclusivity provides an understanding for how we can, and should bridge our differences as individuals and cultures.” 

The recognition is reserved for colleges that are committed to creating an environment of inclusivity and promoting awareness and appreciation of all cultures and walks of life. 

Thousands of public and private institutions are nominated for the award, but Newberry College is among a small but prestigious collective of colleges who were selected to receive the “Institution Committed to Diversity” award, among them Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Auburn University, Syracuse University, and several other schools. 

“Diversity Education may be one of my roles personally at Newberry, but this has truly become a campuswide effort,” said Barnes-Winder in describing important factors that contributed to the recognition for Newberry College’s efforts in diversity education. “We see a growing and sustained awareness of diversity and inclusivity in student-led programming, in campus multicultural committee events, such as our annual Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week and, most importantly, in the prevailing dedication to these ideals among both academic and administrative units throughout campus.”