University Business - August 2006 - (Page 23)

VIEWPOINT The Attributes of a Diversity President A college or university in search of a chief executive officer has the opportunity to make a statement regarding diversity. By Steve O. Michael A each group striving for institutional atten- T A RECENT MEETING OF tion and resources. Almost always, each chief diversity officers, a few of group complains that diversity progress us reflected on the attributes of on campus has not sufficiently included its a diversity president. In my contribu- agenda. Therefore, it behooves a university tion, I noted that a university president leader to have a working definition that is who champions diversity, who personifies inclusive and that addresses societal needs. the ideals of diversity, and who strives to 2 Diversity Vision. Diversity presidents make diversity a reality for his or her in- embrace inclusive excellence as their diver- stitution qualifies as a diversity president. sity vision. By inclusive excellence, I mean That conversation led us to ask what the continuing efforts to integrate the it is about diversity that a university com- Diversity progress will human family toward greater knowledge munity should look for in candidates as- depend upon the courage, generation, knowledge transmission, and piring to the top position. the commitment, and service that is directed toward world peace This question is important particu- and elimination of poverty, prejudice, and larly in an environment characterized by the determination of injustice. Inclusive excellence also entails changing student demography and in- the institution's CEO. the promotion and realization of the best creasing diversity. It is important in an that only human diversity provides. institution that is genuinely searching for The presence of diverse populations a deep conviction, perhaps just to placate ways to bring about concrete progress on on university campuses is only the begin- the naive. Admittedly, the goal of and its diversity agenda. The question is also ning of the journey toward an inclusive the means for achieving a vibrant diverse important at an institution where leaders community. Diversity presidents have a university are difficult and challenging. and constituents are tired of erratic, pen- vision of societal progress that is based on However, diversity progress in higher ed- dulous returns on investment in diversity a better integration of the human fam- ucation institutions depends very much initiatives. As I was reminded at the meet- ily and a greater focus on humanity as a upon the courage, commitment, and ing, concern about what to look for in a whole. Also, diversity presidents com- determination of the chief executive of- presidential candidate is important in a municate this vision in a manner that is ficer who practices self-accountability and society with increasingly sophisticated, believable and persuasive. holds other unit leaders to the same level but superficial, textbook answers to criti- 3 Diversity Commitment. Diversity of accountability. cal questions about human diversity. presidents confess their commitment to It is to be expected that most, if not diversity with every opportunity available ON THE LOOKOUT FOR all, candidates for the president's position to them. In the interview process, they DIVERSITY would profess their beliefs in and com- can produce several public statements, Institutions looking for a diversity presi- mitment to diversity, confess that society lectures, and keynote addresses that reveal dent may find the following guidelines has not done enough, and pledge to bring the importance of diversity to them. useful: about significant progress on institutional 1 Definition of Diversity. Diversity pres- diversity initiatives. But how do we sift idents have a comprehensive definition of the chaff from the wheat? Steve O. Michael is vice provost for diversity diversity. If we cannot define it, we cer- Somewhere in this country today, a and academic initiatives and a professor of tainly cannot measure it. There are many new leader is making the pledge to ad- higher education administration at Kent State interest groups on every campus, with vance institutional diversity, perhaps with University Ohio . www.universitybusiness.com August 2006 | 23 Vwpt.indd 23 7/21/06 12:50:05 PM http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - August 2006

Contents
College Index
Advisory Board
Company Index
Editor's Note
People Watch
Sense of Place
Stats Watch
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
On the Hill
Admissions
Future Shock
An Education in AV Technology
Retention Intentions
Endowment Management
Good Data In, Good Data Out
Sticking with the Tried & True
Home, Sweet Home
Faculty Issues in Online Education
Internet Technology
What's New
Calendar of Events
Direct Connect
End Note

University Business - August 2006