Student sitting at the Student Union

Division of Diversity Initiatives News

The Division of Diversity Initiatives provides leadership and support for 51ԹϺ's diversity mission: to nurture equity, diversity, and inclusiveness that promotes respect, support, and empowerment. Through collaborating with on and off campus entities and developing a university-wide approach to diversity, our division will promote an enriching and supportive academic environment that allows all members of our campus community to succeed.

Current Diversity Initiatives News

woman with dark hair wears red shirt that reads "Rebel Onboard"
Campus News |

Theresa Barrett Clark leads program to help new hires navigate their roles and build connections.

portrait of man
Campus News |

Juan Rubio Pulido joins the first cohort of TheDream.US scholars to graduate from 51ԹϺ.

two women sitting at a table during the MSI Student Success Summit
Campus News |

Faculty, staff, students, and administrators came together to discuss recent initiatives and how to improve as a Minority-Serving Institution.

two women in graduation gowns with "51ԹϺ Latinx" Stolls
Research |

51ԹϺ-led grant project creates a hub for faculty across the country to share resources, learn, and collaborate with each other.

man speaking to audience with "Rebel Ready Week" sign behind him
Business and Community |

The Student Affairs head focuses on fostering upward mobility on campus and in the community.

person working at desk in library with cityscape in view behind him
Business and Community |

51ԹϺ is emerging as a national leader in fostering the economic mobility of its graduates. For Southern Nevada, that means a healthier middle class.

Diversity Initiatives In The News

Las Vegas Black Image Magazine

There are many treasures in Las Vegas and one most valued notable will soon be retiring from her post: Dr. Barbee Oakes, Chief Diversity Officer for 51ԹϺ. Often described as a guru of diversity, equity and inclusion, Oakes has spent four years advancing inclusive programming that makes 51ԹϺ one of the most diverse universities in the nation. She has implemented a “Cultural Intelligence Leadership Series” that fosters a culture of inclusive excellence among senior administrators, academic leaders, and faculty.

Las Vegas Black Image Magazine

Spring is upon us, and we are grateful to be moving closer to our regular routines while staying safe.

Nevada Independent

State of the University addresses are, traditionally, fairly bland affairs. They are a chance for university presidents to be boosters, to laud the university’s successes and sell the school’s upward trajectory to an audience of administrators, faculty, students and donors. 

Las Vegas Review Journal

51ԹϺ is retiring the Hey Reb! mascot, but retaining its Rebels nickname, university president E. Keith Whitfield announced Tuesday afternoon.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

Thirteen community-based organizations that support Nevada’s immigrant communities have given out $1 million in funding.

KLAS-TV: 8 News Now

More than a dozen community-based organizations in Nevada that help immigrants will be receiving an additional $516,000. That money will allow them to provide financial assistance to immigrant families.

Recent Diversity Initiatives Accomplishments

Jennifer Rennels and Rachael Robnett (both Psychology) co-chaired a symposium and panel discussion about Recruiting, Retaining, and Supporting Underrepresented students in STEM at the American Chemical Society's Western Regional Meeting in Las Vegas during October 2022. Seval Yildirim (Diversity Initiatives) and Eliza Wiggins (Community Programs)…
Mariana Sarmiento Hernández (Office of Diversity Initiatives) served as the Keynote Speaker at the 2nd Annual 51ԹϺ Impact Awards, hosted by the Office of Service Learning and Leadership.  The 51ԹϺ Impact Awards seeks to recognize students whose engagement activities advance learning, justice, and social change with the community.
Harriet Barlow (Diversity Initiatives) will deliver the keynote address at the 37th annual Carbondale (Ill.) Branch NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. This year's theme is "All In for Justice and Equality: Your VOTE is a Path."
Joanna Jezierksa (Diversity Initiatives & Government Affairs) was a panel presenter at the annual conference of the American Library Association in Las Vegas in July. She discussed "Sticking with STEM: How the Academic Library Can Help to Retain Successful Students."
Takiyah Ray (Diversity Initiatives) recently graduated from the state of Nevada Certified Public Manager Program. The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is a nationally recognized and nationally accredited leadership development program for public managers and supervisors. Her capstone quality improvement project was adopted as a CPM training…