May 16, 2008

Purdue administrators work to incorporate diversity across campus

Alma R. Clayton-Pedersen, the association's vice president for education and institutional renewal, spoke about "Making Excellence Inclusive: The Learning Imperative for the 21st Century" during a daylong May 8 retreat organized by the Office of the Provost.

Twenty-four Purdue administrators from a variety of programs and colleges attended the retreat, which organizers hope to make an annual event, said Dorothy Reed, assistant provost.

"Dr. Clayton-Pedersen was recommended to us for this occasion because she is a national leader on issues of linking academic excellence and diversity," Reed said. "We hope the retreat will enhance the leadership of the multicultural program directors and also help them collaborate on ways to incorporate diversity into campus life."

Eric Thomas, who works in the Office of Supportive Services at Michigan State University, also spoke during the retreat. Thomas is founder of The Advantage at Michigan State, a student-driven organization designed to help students make the most of their college experience.

The Association of American Colleges and Universities' initiative, Making Excellence Inclusive, is designed to explore how colleges and universities can fully utilize the resources of diversity to achieve academic excellence for all students. The organization aims to understand how higher education can link diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives to its essential educational mission.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Dorothy Reed, (765) 494-5928, reed7@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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