Performance Evaluations: Integrating Inclusivity and Diversity-Mindedness

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion presented a week-long celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The events throughout the week were designed to facilitate both reflection and action toward a better appreciation of and respect for the dignity of every person. The 2024 MLK Commemorative Celebration featured a moderated conversation with Xernona Clayton. Xernona Clayton has led civic projects and civil rights activities for decades, beginning in 1965 when she accepted a position with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and worked closely with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She also coordinated the activities of Atlanta’s Black doctors with the Doctors’ Committee for Implementation, which resulted in the desegregation of all hospital facilities in Atlanta. Her persistent and compassionate fight against prejudice and bigotry was never more apparent than in 1968, when a Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan denounced the Klan and credited Xernona’s influence with his change. Professionally, Ms. Clayton was a trailblazer in the media industry, eventually becoming an executive with Turner Broadcasting. She went on to found the Trumpet Foundation an organization that celebrates “the best in African American excellence and achievement.”

Genese Clark Fulfilling the Dream Award Acceptance Speech

Debra Schrampfer, Jasmine Kingsley, Carlos Terrazas have a panel discussion on "Inclusive Futurism: Future of Inclusive Excellence," moderated by Dr. Barker

Highlight video showing how the University puts Inclusive Excellence into action.

Dr. Marco Barker delivers opening remarks to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion State of Diversity 2023 event.

Awarded by the American Society of Engineering Education with silver recognition, The College of Engineering is a leader in the industry. Shaped by a culture of inclusive excellence, students, staff and faculty have embraced the importance of working amongst diversity and learning from different perspectives.

Lance C. Perez is a firm believer in diversifying our students to create a more robust, world-changing workforce for the future. “If we are going to meet the workforce needs of the state and the nation, we need more people studying engineering. That’s only going to happen if we diversify our student body.” Learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNL at https://diversity.unl.edu/

The Intergroup Dialogue Initiative is a collective, strategic effort to bring communication to connect in a divided world, and foster inclusivity here at Nebraska. In a world plagued by polarization, students are utilizing theories, research and practice to “communicate across difference in a manner that amplifies voices of those who haven’t had voices, and also in a way that really can lead to pragmatic, important outcomes.”

It's about building community, understanding diverse perspectives and using communication and connectedness to problem solve. The impact of this initiative is statewide. The goal is to encourage learning from engaging conversation across historically polarizing groups. That is inclusive excellence. Learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNL at https://diversity.unl.edu/

Dr. Dai Shizuka champions promoting human connection and inclusivity in the Department of Ornithology and across campus. Recently awarded the National Science Foundation Bio Leaps grant, Dai and his team are collectively learning how inclusivity “makes the university, or ornithological studies or any institution stronger.” With the grant, the team is studying how human connections foster a sense of belonging and encourage the pursuit of research.

Dai and the department believe in the power of inclusivity. “We can’t achieve excellence without promoting everyone’s excellence.” Learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNL at https://diversity.unl.edu/

Maathir Basi, a first-generation psychology student, is empowered by other women in the STEM Power Program. As a freshman, Maathir was able to find community, a space where her voice was not only listened to, but also appreciated. According to Maathir, “giving students a community where they feel like their voice is heard is the most important way for us to talk about inclusive excellence.”

The STEM Power Program is fostering inclusive excellence, amplifying underrepresented student voices and inspiring students to reach their full potential. Read another story about the STEM Power Program here: https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/stem-power-program-breaks-barriers-for-underrepresented-students/