MISS To Host First Diversity Leadership Conference

The Office of Multicultural and International Student Services will make waves in diversity and leadership education with its inaugural Diversity Leadership Conference Feb. 25-26.

The first of its kind in the state of Texas, the workshop will allow Sam Houston State University students, faculty and staff to participate in interactive workshops, network with attendees and hear dynamic speakers, according to MISS program coordinator Jennifer T. Roberts.

“ All students, faculty and staff can learn about a different aspect of diversity because we’re going to a very global society now and they have to be able to effectively interact with people who are different than they are,” Roberts said.

Though only open to those affiliated with SHSU this year, the conference will be opened statewide next year.

“ We wanted to incorporate something that will involve all aspects of diversity and leadership,” Roberts said. “We always go to the Southern Black Student Leadership Conference at Texas A&M and that only reaches out to only one culture, and then there is another school that has a Hispanic-based conference.”

Sign-in will be held on Friday, from 4-6 p.m. followed by an opening ceremony dinner featuring vice president for Student Services Thelma J. Douglass speaking on accepting the call of leadership.

Saturday, guest speaker J.D. Ragsdale, chair of the speech communication department, will discuss “dedicating yourself to your success.”

“ We’re utilizing some speakers from Sam Houston because it’s amazing how many untapped resources we have at SHSU,” Roberts said.

In addition, student organizations and campus departments will present different workshops to attendees.

Participants will receive a free T-shirt, as well as dinner on Friday, and breakfast and dinner on Saturday. There is no fee to attend the convention, but those who sign up and do not show up will be charged $25, Roberts said.

Applications to attend the conference can be picked up and dropped off in the Student Activities Office, in Lowman Student Center Suite 328. The sign-up deadline is Feb. 18, and the conference is limited to 100.

For more information, call Roberts at 936.294.3588 or e-mail LaQuita Hancock, conference chair at diversityleadershipconference@hotmail.com.

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Feb. 14, 2005
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