Diversity and Inclusion Recognition Award | Staff
About
"Diversity at WMU encompasses inclusion, acceptance, respect, and empowerment. This means understanding that each individual is unique and that our commonalities and differences make the contributions we have to offer all the more valuable. Diversity includes the dimensions of race, ethnicity, and national and regional origins; sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; socioeconomic status, age, physical attributes, and abilities; as well as religious, political, cultural, and intellectual ideologies and practices" (Diversity and Multiculturalism Action Plan).
The Diversity and Inclusion Recognition Award is presented to College of Arts and Sciences staff member who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Western Michigan University. Award winners receive a plaque/award and will be honored at the college faculty and staff award ceremony held during the spring semester. In addition, award winners receive $1,000, which is processed as incentive pay to the staff member.
Deadline for Nominations
Applications are due February 15 of every academic year while funds are available.
2018 Recipient Information | Kaycie Ohmart
Psychology
Kaycie was selected to receive this award based on her commitment to educating herself on the barriers others face and how she might help mitigate those barriers. In addition to her dedication to knowledge, Kaycie has mad it a priority to engage others in learning opportunities to ensure the fight for equity and inclusion does not become complacent. For example, in 2018, Kaycie raised over $10,000 to bring Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor to Western Michigan University to speak about her life and experiences during World War II and her time in German concentration camps. When asked why Kaycie insisted on bringing Eva's story to others, she replied, "It's because Eva's story is a reminder of where blind hate and prejudice leads, and hearing firsthand accounts of the outcomes of systematic prejudices is still important today." Because of Kaycie, hundreds of people from Kalamazoo know Eva's story and perhaps, further understand the importance of remaining steadfast in ensuring a diverse and equitable society can be recognized for all.
Nominee Eligibility
- All clerical, technical, professional and administrative staff currently serving in the College of Arts and Sciences who have completed at least one year of service to the College are eligible for this award, unless the staff member has received the Staff Excellence award within the five years.
Criteria for Award Selection
- An accumulated record of exemplary work in support of diversity, equity and inclusion, which may include service to the University, local community and beyond.
- Record of achievement in support of diversity, equity and inclusion must be related to work conducted while employed as a staff member in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- A single act of service, project or event, except under rare circumstances, is insufficient to be selected for this award.
Required Nomination Materials
Complete the above nominatiob web form.
A detailed statement from the nominator indicating the nominee’s accomplishments and how they relate to the selection criteria for this award.
A maximum of two brief supporting letters addressing how the nominee’s accomplishments embody the selection criteria for this award.
Nominee’s most recent resume.
Any supporting documents which demonstrate the nominee’s exemplary work in support of diversity, equity and inclusion as stated in the criteria for this award.
Submit a Nomination
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact the College of Arts and Sciences dean's office with any questions or concerns.