Ohio State values diversity in people and ideas, and inclusion of everyone. In support of encouraging important diversity work throughout the university, the Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award annually recognizes up to five recipients for exceptional diversity efforts.
Faculty, staff, students and alumni who enhance diversity with cutting-edge curriculum, mentorship, programs or policies can be nominated for the Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award. The award recognizes diversity efforts in areas such as religion, race, sexual orientation and economic status. Recipients are awarded for demonstrating the university’s values and making diversity and inclusiveness part of the university’s best practices.
On April 27, President Drake presented the 2016 recipients a plaque and $1,200 cash award in recognition of their important work. This year’s winners will also be honored on the field at Ohio Stadium during the September 3 Ohio State football game.
Congratulations to the 2016 Distinguished Diversity Enhancement Award recipients:
Administration and Planning Diversity Council
Led by the Office of Administration and Planning Chief Diversity Officer Laura Stehura, this staff work group is fully committed to a more diverse and inclusive work environment for all of its employees. They have demonstrated a best practice model for the university through their creation of programs like the Disability Awareness Collaboration and participating in the Gay Pride Parade.
Wanda Dillard
As Director of Community Development for the Wexner Medical Center, Wanda is integral to ensuring federal compliance standards and serves as the lead for the Matinees that Matter program and Safe Zone training. She is also the voice and face of the Wexner Medical Center in the community, working to ensure unrestricted access to quality healthcare.
Maurice Stevens
Maurice is an Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Studies who previously voluntarily served as chair of the Senate Diversity Committee and is known for his work on many academic and inclusive programs. His dedication has resulted in programs such as the Diversity and Identity Studies Collective at Ohio State program, the Program in Humanities Development, the Second-year Transformational Experience program and more.
Andreá Williams
Andreá, Department of English Associate Professor, is highly regarded for her mentorship of first-generation college students through the Economic Access Initiative, as well as engaging other faculty, staff and students to commit to diversity. Through innovative diversity and inclusion workshops and programs, Andreá actively models diversity values and is a change agent on behalf of the department.
Clayton Greenbaum
Clayton is a 4th year student majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering who known for his commitment to sharing and teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields to all kids. He has displayed tremendous effort in assisting the Women in Engineering and Minority Engineering Program through camps, schools and rural communities in Ohio.