As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity, Oakland University will present its third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference on Wednesday, March 16. Free and open to all OU faculty and staff, the event will take place from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. Those interested in attending must register by Friday, March 4.
This year’s conference, titled “Leveraging Diversity: Beyond the Conversation,” features presentations from leading experts in the field of diversity and inclusion.
Presentations and guest speakers:
- “Diversity and Inclusion.”
John C. Burkhardt, Professor of Clinical Practice at the University of Michigan and Director of the National Center for Institutional Diversity
- “Beyond Diversity: Steps for Uprooting Racism, Privilege and Institutional Inequity”
Timothy J. Wise, Anti-Racist Essayist, Author and Educator
- “Leadership – It’s a System, Not a Person!”
Barbara Kellerman, James MacGregor Burns Lecturer in Public Leadership, founding Executive Director, Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University
The following roundtable discussions are also scheduled:
Student Reception |
- “Diverse Voices”
Chaunda Scott, associate professor of organizational leadership
- “Title IX”
Joi M. Cunningham, director of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives
- “The Business Case for Diversity”
Diane Lee, executive director, Minority Business Development Agency Center, and Samuel Spencer, interim vice president, finance, operations and processes, Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council
- “University of Missouri and Diversity”
C. Michelle Piskulich, associate provost and professor of political science, and Charles Menifield, professor and associate dean at the University of Missouri
- “Belonging Equals Student Success and Transformation”
Jeremy Johnson, OU graduate student, and Gabriela Sullen, Americorps Vista
- “The Bystander Role in Microaggressions”
Thomas W. Blume, associate professor of education
Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award
Named for Oakland University Trustee Emerita Monica Emerson, the Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award will be presented to an individual or group. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion in the university community.
“This year’s conference promises to be the most exciting as we move ‘Beyond the Conversation’ to action by building on many of the issues that have been highlighted over the last three years,” said Patricia Dolly, OU’s senior adviser to the President for diversity, equity and inclusion. “We look forward to all of the energy and ideas that will come out of our round table discussions. And, certainly, the conversations that our world-class speakers will provide will have a lasting impression on our community.”
This year's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference is sponsored by:
Gold Sponsors: Faurecia and Michigan Works
Silver Sponsor: Marsh & McLennan Agency
Bronze Sponsors: Arthur J Gallagher, Davis Vision, Fidelity Investments, TIAA-CREF.
Special Thanks: InfoArmor and Priority Health
Registration and continental breakfast will take place from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Lunch will also be provided. For more information, or to register for the conference, visit oakland.edu/diversity/conference.