The issue of diversity is an important one in the life of any university. It is diversity that teaches us that our differences are our strengths, that inclusion brings new knowledge and creates new experiences. These experiences help us to function and thrive in a diverse society. Unfortunately, the process of managing organizational cultural change is lengthy and riddled with many obstacles. However, I encourage you to keep one very simple thought in mind as we begin our journey: Diversity is good for higher education. More specifically, diversity is good for Arkansas State University.

The achievement of diversity has no simple solutions nor does it allow for the evasion of difficult issues. We will address, debate and discuss all of the issues pertinent to diversity. More importantly, we will define diversity within the context of these discussions, develop goals and objectives, develop action plans, assign responsibility to the various segments of campus, hold each segment accountable for results, and equip them with the skills and resources to develop and sustain diversity throughout the life of Arkansas State University.

Welcome aboard! This is going to be fun.                                                                                                                                           

Dr. Glen Jones

Assistant to the President for Diversity Initiatives