News and Events

President's Commissions for Equity to realign as advisory bodies

May 1, 2018

The President’s Commissions for Equity at Penn State will see changes to their activities and memberships to better reflect their charges as advisory bodies to Penn State’s leader. The changes, which will be implemented July 1, are intended to strengthen the individual and collective impact of each of the three commissions, while ensuring that each commission’s goals align with the University’s priorities and strategic vision. - [ More ]

Alumni fund scholarship to benefit first-generation, military family students

April 6, 2018

Penn State alumni couple Antonio Nieves and Emily Sallack leveraged the 1:1 University match offered through the First-Time Endowed Scholarship Donor Matching Program to create one of the largest scholarship funds in Educational Equity. The Antonio Nieves and Emily Sallack Student Success Scholarship in Educational Equity will focus on aiding students who are the first in their families to attend college or who hail from military families, reflecting Nieves’ background. - [ More ]

How the diversity of Penn State’s student body compare to other Big 10 schools

February 16, 2018

Back in January, nearly 50 students and professors gathered in Schwab Auditorium to participate in Stand for State’s “All that WE ARE” event. These students were asked which part of their identity was most important when simply walking down College Avenue — and almost all the students of color in the room moved into the “race” box, marked in blue painters tape on the stage floor. - [ More ]

Our commitment will not falter

November 14, 2017

The current tenor nationally and recurrent displays of discrimination, bias and sometimes violence that permeate news headlines have resulted in trying times not only for our country, but also for those of us who live, study and work on college campuses. Though Penn State strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all, we – like any institution of higher education – are not immune to the efforts of those who bring hate and prejudice to our community. - [ More ]

Founding director of Museum of African American History and Culture to speak

October 27, 2017

Lonnie G. Bunch III, historian, author, curator, educator and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C., will give a talk titled “The Challenge of Building a National Museum,” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, in the Freeman Auditorium of the HUB-Robeson Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Bunch has spent nearly 30 years in the museum field where he is regarded as one of the nation’s leading figures in the historical and museum community. As NMAAHC director, he promotes the museum’s mission to help audiences see African-American history as American history, and provides strategic leadership in areas of fundraising, collections, and academic and cultural partnerships. - [ More ]

Penn State students invited to explore unconscious bias on Oct. 27. Event to feature immersive simulation to uncover 'blind spots'

October 24, 2017

As part of Penn State's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, students are invited to participate in “Check Your Blind Spots,” an immersive experience to examine unconscious bias, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, outside the HUB-Robeson Center on Pollock Road. - [ More ]

'White supremacists see Penn State as recruitment ground': Faculty members discuss state of racism at university, America

October 23, 2017

Months after the deadly far-right rally in Charlottesville, Penn State hosted a faculty panel discussion titled “White Supremacism at Penn State: What it Does, How to Fix It” on Monday, Oct. 23.

The panel, moderated by Professor of English and African American Studies Keith Gilyard, gathered in the Freeman Auditorium and discussed such topics as racism on an administrative level, white privilege, and the role of race in promotion and tenure. - [ More ]

Faculty forum panel to discuss issues of race Oct. 23

October 18, 2017

Penn State’s senior faculty mentor will present a faculty forum panel discussion for the Penn State community titled "White Supremacism at Penn State: What it Does, How to Fix It" at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, in Freeman Auditorium in the HUB-Robeson Cultural Center at University Park.

Moderated by Keith Gilyard, senior faculty mentor and Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English and African American Studies, the panel will explore the following topics: honest talk on racism, racism as a management issue, white privilege is white exception, and the evaluation process for promotion and tenure. - [ More ]

Student block party to feature diversity organizations, resources

August 25, 2017

Connecting students with the resources available to minorities on campus and building a sense of community will be the aim of a Block Party, a group of students is holding from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn. - [ More ]

Addressing diversity, equity in higher ed the focus of 'All In' conference

April 21, 2017

The University’s inaugural “All In” conference took place April 18, featuring speakers who are national leaders in educational equity. Participants from across Pennsylvania had the opportunity to learn more about how other institutions, faculty and staff approach diversity and inclusion at their schools and to share ideas about what can be put into action at Penn State. - [ More ]

University, Ad Council partner to hear students’ stories on diversity, inclusion

April 17, 2017

As part of its ongoing “All In” initiative, Penn State is partnering with the Ad Council’s national “Love Has No Labels” campaign for an on-campus event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 20 in the HUB-Robeson Center at the lower level near the entrance to the lawn.

The event will make Penn State the inaugural campus for the university engagement program on behalf of Love Has No Labels produced by the Ad Council, a national organization that selects significant public issues to focus on through communications programs that make a measurable difference in society. Students and others will have a chance to participate in taped video interviews, share their experiences on social media and find out more about both efforts, which are focused on celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.” - [ More ]

First ‘All In’ conference discusses Penn State’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

April 18, 2017

The first ever ‘All In’ Conference took place at The Penn Stater Hotel on Tuesday, and four guest speakers discussed the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion at Penn State, as well as at other college campuses. - [ More ]

Faculty member in College of Medicine recognized with 'All In' award

April 18, 2017

Patricia Silveyra, assistant professor of pediatrics and a research associate in the Penn State College of Medicine, was recognized today (April 18) with the University’s “All In at Penn State” achievement award. Silveyra is one of two recipients of the honor, designed to recognize a student, faculty or staff member for embodying the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

“The All In award is an important step for the University to recognize individuals for their contributions to Penn State's diversity, equity and inclusion mission,” said Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for Educational Equity. “Both of these award winners have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments, leadership and innovation in working to create an inclusive climate, transforming education and advancing diverse communities.” - [ More ]

'Schreyer Honors College Scholar chosen to receive inaugural
'All In' award

April 18, 2017

Penn State junior and Schreyer Honors College Scholar Candice Crutchfield is a recipient of the “All In at Penn State” achievement award. She was recognized today (April 18) as one of two recipients of the honor, designed to recognize a student, faculty or staff member for embodying the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. - [ More ]

President Barron meets with students and faculty to discuss improving the 'All In' campaign

March 21, 2017

University President Eric Barron, along with faculty and students, joined together this afternoon to discuss what has been working and not working with the "All In" campaign during a lunch in the HUB-Robeson Center.

According to the "All In" website, the purpose of the campaign is to create a commitment toward a diverse and inclusive campus. The initiative came from Barron and a group of Penn State students who wanted the community to recognize the importance of diversity on campus, according to the "All In" website. - [ More ]

'All In' conference to feature leaders in fields of diversity, higher education

February 15, 2017

Diversity in higher education will be the focus of a daylong University conference that will provide opportunities for faculty, students and employees to learn from and interact with national leaders in the field of educational equity. Registration is open for the “All In at Penn State Diversity and Inclusion Conference,” which will take place April 18 at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel at University Park. - [ More ]

University announces 'All In' achievement award, nominations being accepted

January 24, 2017

Award will recognize person who embodies commitment to diversity and inclusion

Do you know someone who embodies Penn State’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion? Consider nominating that person for the “All In” at Penn State Achievement Award that will recognize a student, faculty or staff member for demonstrating leadership and inspiring others. - [ More ]

University Leaders, students come together to talk about diversity, inclusion

January 24, 2017

Understanding each other’s differences and learning from them was the focus of a recent forum that brought student leaders together with University officials for conversations to deepen their appreciation of the viewpoints of others. - [ More ]

'First Amendment and Diversity and Inclusion' panel talk now archived online

November 2, 2016

The panel discussion “The First Amendment and Diversity and Inclusion,” held Oct. 27 in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Freeman Auditorium, is now archived and available for viewing online.

Hosted by Penn State President Eric Barron and Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst, the discussion focused on the balance between promoting free speech on campus while ensuring that people from all walks of life can come together and feel included in the Penn State community. - [ More ]

Diversity questions and concerns tackled at Town Hall discussion on Oct. 26

October 27, 2016

Questions about Penn State’s overall commitment to diversity, including the number of faculty, staff and students on all Penn State campuses that are from traditionally underrepresented groups, dominated the most recent Town Hall meeting held by University leaders. The meeting was planned to focus on diversity and inclusion and there was no shortage of questions on those topics. - [ More ]

Faculty Senate covers range of topics during October meeting

October 19, 2016

Educational equity and diversity, student government, and health plan options for the upcoming year were some of the topics the University Faculty Senate took up during its meeting Tuesday (Oct. 18).

Chairman James Strauss has noted that featuring students and student organizations and including diversity-related topics are among the strategic goals for Faculty Senate meetings this year. On Tuesday, that meant hearing about the College of Engineering’s Multi-Campus Research Experiences for Undergraduates, including presentations by three students who participated, in addition to reports from the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) and the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG). - [ More ]

University community comes together to launch 'All In at Penn State'

October 6, 2016

The Penn State community came together Thursday (Oct. 6) by the hundreds to kick off “All In at Penn State: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion” — recognizing the importance of diversity and having an environment that is inclusive and respectful. The 40-minute event was focused on encouraging the community to be “All In.” - [ More ]

'A leap of faith': Penn State kicks off 'All In' initiative

October 6, 2016

Students said they wanted a more inclusive and welcoming university, and Penn State heard them loud and clear.

Thursday kicked off Penn State’s “All In” initiative, a universitywide effort to bring students, faculty and staff together to help create a diverse and inclusive community. - [ More ]

'All In at Penn State' set to kick off with speech from President Barron, focus on diversity and inclusion

October 5, 2016

The student body of Penn State is a thick blend of different races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, backgrounds, ages and beliefs. Today, Oct. 6, this community has a chance to come together and celebrate that. - [ More ]

Penn State's Diversity Inspires a Thriving Community

September 30, 2016

Diversity Champions exemplify an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout their campus communities, across academic programs, and at the highest administrative levels. INSIGHT Into Diversity selected institutions that rank in the top tier of past Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipients. - [ More ]

Oct. 6 marks kick-off for University's ongoing diversity, inclusion initiative

September 27, 2016

On Oct. 6 the Penn State community will come together to kick off an ongoing University-wide initiative that brings students, faculty and staff together to show their commitment to cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment — respectful of everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, abilities, background, veteran’s status, political beliefs, and all the ways we differ. - [ More ]

2016 New Student Orientation for Multicultural Students

August 21, 2016

On the eve of the start of fall classes, multicultural students had the opportunity to hear from Penn State leadership and their peers at the New Student Orientation for Multicultural Students on Aug. 21 in the HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall. The orientation has been a University tradition for more than two decades. - [ More ]

Students attending the 2016 New Student Orientation for Multicultural Students hold up their cell phones with their lights on at the request of Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for educational equity, on Sunday, Aug. 21, at Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center. (Image: Curtis Chan)

Marcus Whitehurst, vice provost for educational equity, gets to know one of the numerous students attending the New Student Orientation for Multicultural Students on Aug. 21 in the HUB-Robeson Center's Heritage Hall. (Image: Curtis Chan)

Penn State receives grants to work with middle, high school students

August 15, 2016

Penn State has been selected to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Education that will allow the University to expand its Talent Search Programs, providing staff who work directly with disadvantaged middle and high school students to help them complete high school and attend college. - [ More ]

Aliquippa Talent Search students on a visit to University Park

Committee to plan campus commemorative to celebrate diversity across Penn State

July 18, 2016

Penn State President Eric Barron has appointed a committee to develop recommendations for a comprehensive commemorative that celebrates Penn State’s history of and aspiration to diversity and inclusion across the many facets of the University.
- [ More ]

Penn State Schuylkill graduates told to think about legacies

Republican Herald, article by Stephen J. Pytak, May 8, 2016

When addressing the graduates at Penn State Schuylkill on Saturday, the keynote speaker advised them to consider their futures and their legacies.

“Think about what your legacy will be personally and professionally,” said Marcus A Whitehurst, Penn State’s vice provost for educational equity, who is based at University Park.

He spoke before this year’s graduates at the campus in Schuylkill Haven and the more than 400 people who crammed into the campus auditorium for a commencement ceremony.

“Through your talents, your caring and your actions, you have been wonderful ambassadors for Penn State. You are leaving Penn State a better place and I’m sincerely hopeful you will have the same impact in whatever community or company that is lucky enough to land you. Take advantage of the opportunities that come before you but, also, think about what you can leave behind,” Whitehurst said. “And I hope that as you go forth from here you will find that giving your time, talents and treasures to others in need will enrich your own life in great measure.” - [ More ]

Barron receives Giving Back Award for diversity initiatives
at Penn State

Penn State News, April 7, 2016

President Barron and Vice Provost Whitehurst gather for lunch in the HUB with diverse student leaders (February 19, 2016).

New statement underscores University's commitment to diversity

Penn State News, February 21, 2016

Penn State President Eric Barron meets with student leaders over lunch in HUB-Robeson Center

February 19, 2016

Today, Penn State President Eric Barron ate his lunch surrounded by the student body.

At student request, Barron and his wife Molly joined Vice Provost for Educational Equity Marcus Whitehurst along with student diversity leaders for lunch in the HUB-Robeson Center.

The Latino Caucus, Black Caucus, Muslim Student Association and Asian Pacific American Caucus were among those represented.

Whitehurst said the meeting was set with no agenda, simply a chance for students to share their general thoughts on how the university can ensure student success. - [ More ]

Penn State releases best practices in diversity strategic planning

Penn State News, November 16, 2015

Vice Provost Dr. Marcus A. Whitehurst holds hands on Old Main steps in support of black students at the University of Missouri

Daily Collegian, November 12, 2015

Sixteen Penn State campuses dubbed 'military friendly'

Penn State News, November 9, 2015

Penn State World Campus recognized as top military-friendly institution

Penn State News, November 9, 2015

Penn State earns second Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. Penn State received its third consecutive national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The award the only one in the nation that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across campuses. - See more

Student employees help Educational Equity family in wake of tragedy

Video Celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Overview - Educational Equity Newsletter Spring 2015 - [ PDF ]

José Ponte, Educational Equity Student IT Support Specialist
http://issuu.com/istpsu/docs/iconnect-spring2015/1?e=3405544/12126980 - [ Page 10-11 ]

Pennsylvania State University–World Campus ranked top for veterans to get college degree online rankings at U.S. News & World Report

Dr. Marcus Whitehurst receiving the 2014 Minority Access Role Model Citation Award - Minority Access Inc.

Dr. Jones Memorial Service - [ Video ]
Organ prelude begins at 9:50 into the recording and the service begins at 15:42.
Recording can be provided via alternative media upon request.

Penn State receives Minority Access honor for commitment to diversity - [ Penn State News ]

Penn State earns second Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award Today (Sept. 16) Penn State received its second consecutive national Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. The award the only one in the nation that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across campuses.