The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs’ seventh annual Diversity Conference will examine diversity, equity and inclusion in the years ahead with the theme “Diversity in the New Decade: Defining the New Normal.”
“As our institution and community continue to embrace diversity and create an inclusive environment, it is important for us to focus on what diversity will look like in the new decade,” said Jalon Berry, OMA assistant director.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference will be held via Zoom. Through the virtual conference, the OMA aims to spread diversity and inclusion on the SFA campus and within the Nacogdoches community by inviting speakers to present diversity-related information and experiences to conference attendees.
“With recent events, the world as we have known it has changed, and we have to adapt,” Berry said. “As a result, we want to ensure that all conference attendees are able to take away vital information and tips that will assist with their intentionality to embrace diversity, be equitable and promote inclusiveness.”
This year’s luncheon keynote speaker is Dr. Griselda Flores, director for Student Life at Harford Community College. The closing keynote speaker is Nicanor “Nick” Pesina Jr., JD, SFA alumnus and trial attorney with Roberts and Roberts in Tyler.
Throughout the day, presenters will host 15 sessions, including the following, on Zoom:
Why Diversity Matters in College: COVID Edition
New Faculty Spotlight: Equity and Social Justice in SFA’s Department of Education Studies
Learning from HSI Success Stories: Opportunities for Implementation at SFA
A Closer Look at Mental Health Resources for Students at SFA
Effective Solutions for Student Wellness
The seventh annual Diversity Conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12. It is free and open to the public. To register to attend via Zoom, visit sfasu.edu/oma.
For more information, contact OMA at oma@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1073.
By Jo Gilmore, marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University.
