Barry University has been recognized as a higher education institution committed to diversity.
Minority Access, Inc. presented a “Committed to Diversity” certificate to the university during a special luncheon at the 16th National Role Models Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, recently. Dr. Glenn Bowen, director of Barry’s Center for Community Service Initiatives, accepted the certificate from Andrea D. Mickle, president of Minority Access.
Barry joins 132 other institutions nationwide on the Minority Access list of Institutions Committed to Diversity.
Barry’s student population consists of 32 percent Black non-Hispanic, 29 percent Hispanic, 20 percent White non-Hispanic, 9 percent unknown/unreported, 8 percent nonresident alien, and 1 percent Asian, with the remainder being students of other races, or of two or more races. The university promotes and celebrates diversity through programs and events such as the Africana Studies Program, the Institute for Hispanic/Latino Theology and Ministry, the Office of International and Multicultural Programs, and the Festival of Nations.
“Barry University offers a living and learning community that … encourages a diversity of perspectives and life experiences,” said Scott F. Smith, PhD, vice president for student affairs, who submitted the university’s diversity profile to Minority Access.
Smith cited Barry’s core commitment of “inclusive community,” which states in part: “Embracing a global world view, the University nurtures and values cultural, social and intellectual diversity, and welcomes faculty, staff, and students of all faith traditions.”
Barry is one of 43 colleges and universities that Minority Access recognized this year for their commitment to diversity. The luncheon at which they received national recognition featured US Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) as the keynote speaker and recipient of the organization’s Humanitarian Award.
Minority Access is a national nonprofit organization whose work is focused on increasing diversity, decreasing disparities, and reducing environmental injustice in higher education, government, and the business sector.