Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Dr. Danice Brown is the first recipient of the Champion for Diversity Award. The honor was announced today during SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe’s annual State of the University address in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.
The SIUE Champion for Diversity Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated an exemplary level of dedication to SIUE’s mission of fostering equal opportunity, as well as exhibited outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
An associate professor of psychology in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, Brown joined the SIUE faculty in 2008 and has an established reputation as an expert on multicultural issues. Her recognition is a result of being a diligent advocate for enhancing SIUE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Dr. Brown has made a significant contribution to advancing diversity and inclusion on campus through positive interactions with others, respecting and embracing individual differences and abilities,” Furst-Bowe said. “In her classrooms and in her interaction with others on campus, she provides the community with the tools to think inclusively. She models the University’s mission, vision and values as well as our We Are One initiatives.”
Brown has promoted diversity and inclusion through her involvement in a number of SIUE programs. Through her learning and pedagogy, she has developed a learning environment that guides students to think critically about social justice issues in the classroom or workplace, including extracurricular activities. As a scholar, she engages in research and creative activities that reflect multicultural values, perspectives and cross cultural involvement.
“Dr. Brown’s research presentations and publications exemplify SIUE’s valuation of diversity and inclusion and the ‘openness to the rich diversity of humankind in all aspects of university life,’ which is one of SIUE’s five primary values,” said Venessa Brown, assistant provost for institutional diversity and inclusion. “She has had multiple peer-reviewed research publications with a focus on multiculturalism.”
Brown received a plaque and $500 to be donated to a University diversity project of her choice or to her department.
The award is granted based on six criteria, and nominees must meet at least two of the criteria to be considered:
- Fostering institutional commitment to an inclusive campus environment
- Providing a learning and pedagogy-focused educational experience
- Involvement in inter-group and intra-group relations
- Demonstrated leadership through positive interaction with persons of diverse identities and background
- Fostering research and creative activity promoting inclusivity
- Long-term impact on the campus community
Photo: SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe presents Dr. Danice Brown with the Champion for Diversity Award.