Columbia State Receives Award in Advancing Diversity

Columbia State Community College was selected as one of four colleges throughout the nation as a finalist for the 2014 American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Awards of Excellence in Advancing Diversity.

Columbia State President Dr. Janet F. Smith accepted the award at the AACC national convention in Washington, D.C.

The AACC created the Awards of Excellence program to recognize innovation and leadership among community colleges across the country that make a difference in the lives of students and members of their communities. Colleges are nominated in six categories, including advancing diversity, emerging leadership, student success, faculty innovation, outstanding college/corporate partnership and exemplary CEO/board.

Other finalists for the award included Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Kentucky, Highline Community College in Washington (overall winner), and Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois.

Columbia State has always had a commitment to access and diversity, but in recent years the college has sought to integrate diversity into the programs and events of the colleges. That expanded awareness is embedded in programs and events that are organized by faculty and staff members of the Lyceum Committee, the academic divisions, the Office of Access and Diversity, the international studies department, student services, and clubs and organizations.

“This award speaks to the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff who are committed to advancing diversity at Columbia State as a mirror of our population, our state, our nation, and our world,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “They consistently offer diverse and educational programs, lectures and other events that are essential to our graduates who will live in a very diverse and ever-changing world.”

Diversity at Columbia State can be found in their campus-wide organizations, events and programs. Cultural and heritage awareness months include a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month events. Columbia State also provides an international studies program for students interested in studying abroad, traveling to places such as Spain, China, Ireland, Peru, Kenya, and a number of other countries.

Columbia State also hosts and sponsors the Student Leadership Institute for high school students in the college’s nine-county service area, which provides a diverse group of students with an opportunity that focuses on leadership skills, community skills, personal development, financial planning, career, and education options.

Organizations like the Inter-Cultural Organization provides students, faculty and staff the opportunity to learn about historical and social issues through culture, diversity and internationalism, while the Gay-Straight Alliance offers support and a safe place for any student who wants to talk and meet new people.

Pictured above from left to right: Dr. Jane Karas, AACC chair and president of Flathead Valley Community College, Montana, Dr. Janet F. Smith, president of Columbia State and Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of the AACC.