Celebrating Diversity

Building a climate of inclusion that fosters growth and student success

» Celeste Malone, editor-in-chief of The All State, and Kelsea Comb, student assistant in the Office of Student Disability Resource Center, were recipients of the Hattie Walker Wilhoite Award, which recognizes the exceptional work of African-American female student leaders. The annual program is part of the celebration of Women’s History Month. Hattie Walker, the namesake of this event, was the first African-American female to graduate from APSU.

» “Blindfolded Yoga,” a part of University Recreation’s adaptive recreation program, allowed participants to wear blindfolds and experience what it’s like to participate in an activity with a visual impairment.

» “Employment and Disabilities Workshop” was presented to prepare students with disabilities for employment experiences. The workshop was co-presented through a partnership between the Military Student Center, Career Services and Student Disability Resource Center.

» There was a 300% increase in faculty-led Spanish tutoring offered through the Hispanic Cultural Center.

» Best-selling author Marcus Engel, who was blinded by a drunk driver, gave a poignant and inspirational talk to students through a partnership between the Office of Student Disability Resource Center and Athletics.

» Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services celebrated community at the “Spring Fling” in the Quad with over 350 students attending. The event featured food, games, prizes and inflatables.

Inky Johnson, a former University of Tennessee football standout, spoke at the annual Unity Celebration about how his life changed in 2006 when he was diagnosed with Horner’s Syndrome.

» The Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement partnered with the Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center and sponsored a business professional clothing drive for students.

» The first self-sustained Safe Zone training was conducted through a partnership between Fraternity & Sorority Affairs, Student Life and Engagement and Women’s and Gender Studies. The training provides support for students by communicating areas that are open to talking about and being supportive of LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning + and Intersex) individuals and identities. The training was supported by $5,000 from the Diversity Committee.

» The Hispanic Cultural Center collaborated with the Spanish Language program and Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society on the Modern Language Fair.

» University Recreation partnered with Team RWB, a local chapter of a veteran’s organization, to offer Yoga once a week at the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center for military student veterans.

» Over 150 veteran and military-affiliated students were served through career counseling, resume development and mock interviewing through Career Services.

» Over 170 students attended the National Pan-Hellenic Council convocation.

» Attendance at the Hispanic Cultural Center’s programs increased 13% from fall 2015 to fall 2016, up to 1,226 participants.

“The Office of Student Disability Resource Center offers the tools to help you succeed no matter your challenges. They truly care about the success of their students. I really enjoy using the Assistive Technology Lab.”

Jamie Basarab
Office of Student Disability Resource Center Student Assistant