Commission co-chair
Patricia A. DeLeon to co-chair Diversity and Equity Commission
3:32 p.m., Sept. 7, 2011--Patricia A. DeLeon, a member of the University of Delaware faculty since 1976, has been named co-chair of the University's Diversity and Equity Commission, President Patrick Harker and Provost Tom Apple have announced.
"As the University moves forward on the Path to ProminenceTM, this commission is key to helping us ensure that our campus is welcoming to and supporting of everyone," Harker said.
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"Prof. DeLeon's extensive knowledge of the University and her exemplary commitment to mentorship will serve her well in this important task," Apple added.
DeLeon will serve as co-chair with Dawn Thompson, dean of students and associate vice president for student life. She replaces Araya Debessay, professor of accounting and management information systems at UD who stepped down as co-chair in May.
“Compared to the last decade, our present climate shows an increasing trend of foreign students returning to their native countries after graduation. As a result, the American university system must take extraordinary steps to ensure that the broadest pool of domestic students are nurtured and encouraged to succeed," DeLeon said. "Now, more than ever, we at UD need our minority students to be exposed to an environment in which they can not only succeed but also excel. And when they excel, we'll not only begin to attract larger numbers to our campus, but will produce larger cohorts of young professionals better equipped to build and transform our country.”
DeLeon, who is Trustees Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences, conducts research into the genetic and molecular mechanisms of spermataogenesis, epididymal function and the molecular aspects of fertilization.
She has served as chairperson of Women in Science and Engineering, and in 2009 she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
A member of the University's Board of Trustees from 1992-2011, DeLeon served for several years on UD's Commission on the Status of Women, a forerunner of the DEC.
Diversity and Equity Commission
Formed last fall, the DEC is charged with enhancing the visibility of all aspects of diversity on the University campus and community. Its goals include:
• establishing a forum for the collegial exchange of ideas about diversity and climate issues;
• providing a recognized avenue for offering advice and counsel to the University community; and
• assuring that matters of diversity and climate on campus, particularly issues affecting those who have been historically excluded, are discussed.
Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson