Dean Jackson To Headline Diversity Conference

Ronald L. Jackson II

, dean of UC's McMicken College of Arts & Sciences will be the keynote speakerfor the

5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference

on March 27, 2013. Jackson's topic wll be "What it means and when we all matter: A mandate for diversity excellence."

Author of ten books and dozens of other academic publications, Jackson is one of the leading communication and identity scholars in the nation. His research examines how theories of identity relate to intercultural and gender communication. In his teaching and research, he explores how and why people negotiate and define themselves as they do. Additionally, Jackson's research includes empirical, conceptual, and critical approaches to the study of masculinity, identity negotiation, Whiteness, and Afrocentricity. He is nationally recognized for having developed a model known as the Black Masculine Identity Theory.   

"Once an aspiring Darwin T. Turner Scholar Dean Jackson has become a true leader and is now championing diversity as a strategic priority in his first year," said Conference Co-Chair Lisa Newman. "It is wonderful to have a scholar of Dr. Jackson's stature on our campus willing to share his research and promote excellence in diversity understanding at our  5th Annual Diversity Conference."

The UC community is invited to participate as a conference presenter or participant in the 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The conference is designed to highlight pedagogy, experiential knowledge and innovative practices that encourage individuals and organizations to build vibrant, diverse and inclusive environments.  To make this event a great community collaboration, organizers are seeking thought-provoking interactive workshop presentations and stimulating panel discussions. Proposals are sought from all interested faculty, students, staff, administrators and area professionals who practice and value being a diversity leader.

"Our new on-line system shows that registrations and proposals are coming in steadily," Newman said. "Faculty, students and staff are invited to join us by participating as a conference presenter or participant in the 5th Annual University of Cincinnati Diversity Conference on Wednesday, March 27."