Texas Tech Named Champion of Diversity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 21, 2014
CONTACT: K’Leigh Bedingfield, kleigh.bedingfield@ttu.edu
(806) 742-2136

Texas Tech Named Champion of Diversity
The American Association for Affirmative Action awards the university for promoting diversity.

In a striving effort to create an inclusive culture on campus, Texas Tech University recently was applauded for its efforts by receiving the Champion of Diversity award by The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA).

The association awards organizations or corporations for their outstanding achievements in promoting diversity and equity in the workforce.

“It is important to our mission as a national research university to foster a diverse environment for our students,” said Texas Tech President M. Duane Nellis. “The opportunity to interact, share ideas and creative scholarship, and conduct research side-by-side with students and faculty from different cultures and backgrounds is invaluable in the constant evolving world that awaits our graduates.”

The national not-for-profit association consists of professionals who work together to manage and promote affirmative action, equal opportunity, diversity and other human resource programs. Founded in 1974, the association’s main purpose is to strongly oppose federal or state action that could potentially eliminate equal opportunities for minorities and women. Texas Tech has recognized and upheld the same standards for its students, faculty and staff.

Texas Tech’s Division of Institutional Diversity, Equity & Community Engagement embraces lifelong success for each and everyone on campus, including minorities and women. Programs such as Mentor Tech, Military & Veterans Program, Women’s Studies, IDEAL, and several other programs under this division help create an inclusive culture on campus and promote affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity.

“Texas Tech is increasingly becoming recognized as a national research university, while maintaining the highest standards of equity, excellence and opportunity for all members of the campus community,” said Juan Muñoz, senior vice president for Institutional Diversity Equity, and Community Engagement and vice provost for Undergraduate Education & Student Affairs. “The award from AAAA further affirms the university’s national visibility as a leader in inclusive excellence. The Champion of Diversity award underscores the spirit of the university’s motto, that regardless of one’s background, ‘From here, it’s possible.’”

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