Spring Break
Diversity on campus - a work in progress
Derek Simons
Issue date: 6/2/08 Section: News
More than a year has passed since UMKC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the university is starting to take stock of the progress made in increasing diversity and improving opportunities for minority students, faculty and staff on campus.
In a wide-ranging interview with the University News, the Deputy Chancellor for Diversity, Access and Equity, Dr. Karen Dace, made it clear no magic wand exists and gave a straightforward assessment.
"I think we've had a decent year," Dace said. "I think this year was OK. I'd like for us to build on it. I want each year to get progressively better."
The MOU stemmed from the less-than-positive results of an outside study conducted on the racial climate at UMKC in fall 2005 by Auditor Shaun Harper, a researcher at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University. This prompted the Department of Justice to spend a year mediating between UMKC and the NAACP. The result was a 17-page document stipulating various steps for the university to take.
"We meet quarterly with representatives from the NAACP," Dace said. "We talk about the different areas of responsibility and what we've accomplished in that period."
The meetings with the NAACP involve Dace, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Mel Tyler, Assistant Vice Chancellor for campus facilities Bob Simmons, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Public Affairs Stancia Jenkins, and Assistant Director for the Chancellor Dee Evans.
Anita Russell, the Kansas City, Mo., branch president of the NAACP, said UMKC has demonstrated commitment to the process.
"The NAACP is pleased with the progress that UMKC has made as we approach the first anniversary of the MOU," Russell said. "We have met twice and progress has been shown in each category."
Progress Dace cited included Simmons' efforts to ensure contracting jobs were awarded in a more equitable manner.
In a wide-ranging interview with the University News, the Deputy Chancellor for Diversity, Access and Equity, Dr. Karen Dace, made it clear no magic wand exists and gave a straightforward assessment.
"I think we've had a decent year," Dace said. "I think this year was OK. I'd like for us to build on it. I want each year to get progressively better."
The MOU stemmed from the less-than-positive results of an outside study conducted on the racial climate at UMKC in fall 2005 by Auditor Shaun Harper, a researcher at the Center for the Study of Higher Education at Pennsylvania State University. This prompted the Department of Justice to spend a year mediating between UMKC and the NAACP. The result was a 17-page document stipulating various steps for the university to take.
"We meet quarterly with representatives from the NAACP," Dace said. "We talk about the different areas of responsibility and what we've accomplished in that period."
The meetings with the NAACP involve Dace, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Mel Tyler, Assistant Vice Chancellor for campus facilities Bob Simmons, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Public Affairs Stancia Jenkins, and Assistant Director for the Chancellor Dee Evans.
Anita Russell, the Kansas City, Mo., branch president of the NAACP, said UMKC has demonstrated commitment to the process.
"The NAACP is pleased with the progress that UMKC has made as we approach the first anniversary of the MOU," Russell said. "We have met twice and progress has been shown in each category."
Progress Dace cited included Simmons' efforts to ensure contracting jobs were awarded in a more equitable manner.
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