WHEREAS, Dr. Alfreda Brown joined Kent State University in 2009 as its inaugural Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and
WHEREAS, she has provided groundbreaking leadership of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion since its inception and invaluable counsel to three presidents of the university, leading institutional efforts to increase diverse representation, create and sustain equity of opportunity, and intentionally foster an inclusive environment across all Kent State campuses; and
WHEREAS, motivated by her passion for the success of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life and for all people, Dr. Brown has led the division in building and supporting diversity initiatives throughout the university; recruiting and supporting faculty, staff and students from diverse populations; establishing a five-year diversity scorecard to improve overall institutional effectiveness of diversity and inclusion strategies; collaborating with others in the implementation of a university-wide climate study and other initiatives to create a more inclusive community; and expanding cultural competency and other training; and
WHEREAS, Kent State University has elevated its results and national recognition in diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by awards and honors such as the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from 2013-2019, recognition by Forbes Magazine in 2019 and 2020, respectively, as the nation’s fourth and 13th best employer for diversity; and the 2014 Institutional Excellence Award from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her distinguished service to Kent State and her 31-year career as a leader for diversity issues, she received the university’s 2020 Diversity Trailblazer Award and the annual award was named in her honor for perpetuity; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Brown is fondly appreciated for, and finds her greatest joy in, taking a personal interest in the lives and successes of students as they progress through their college careers;
WHEREAS, she has announced her intention to retire on May 31, 2020; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Kent State University Board of Trustees expresses deep gratitude to Alfreda Brown for her contributions to the education of students and the advancement of Kent State University and wishes her great contentment and joy as she begins this new chapter in her life.
