The University of Georgia has announced plans to create a diversity fellowship position to expand access to diversity and inclusion training on campus through the creation of a diversity educator position. The new role, funded by private dollars, will focus on building new programs to meet the growing demand on campus for participation in the institution’s  popular Diversity and Inclusion Certificate program. 

Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic University Initiatives, Dr. Michele G. Cook, commented, “Across campus there is a strong interest in building awareness about diversity, equity, inclusion, and the experiences of our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. I am excited about how this position will aid us in significantly expanding access to diversity education in a meaningful and effective manner.” 

The position was recommended by the Presidential Task Force on Race, Ethnicity, and Community. Earlier this fall the task force was charged with developing initiatives and actions that UGA can take to foster a more welcoming and supportive learning environment. UGA President Jere W. Morehead committed $1 million of private resources through support from the UGA Athletic Association to implement promising ideas developed by this task force. 

“I am encouraged by the initial recommendations emerging from this group and the engagement of our campus community in their important efforts,” said Morehead.  “In the weeks ahead, I look forward to receiving more proposals to make a positive impact on the learning environment of our University,” said President Morehead.  

UGA’s Presidential Task Force on Race, Ethnicity, and Community recently announced the establishment of a lecture series in collaboration with the School of Law and School of Public and International Affairs. The Horace J. Johnson, Jr. Lecture on Race, Law, and Policy is a tribute to the late jurist, who was a trailblazer for the Black community in Georgia and a 1982 graduate of the UGA School of Law.