President's Award Winner: “My Experience at Widener has been Transformational”
President’s Award Winner Ijjae Hill reflects on her time at Widener as she prepares to receive her undergraduate degree.
President’s Award Winner Ijjae Hill reflects on her time at Widener as she prepares to receive her undergraduate degree.
Seven leaders from across university departments and disciplines come together to discuss Widener’s collective future.
Widener students, faculty, and staff are leading conversations on diversity and inclusion in the wake of nationwide protests for the deaths of Black individuals.
Michelle Meekins-Davis is named university Chief Diversity Officer.
Micki Davis, chief diversity officer, spoke to the Philadelphia Union about Juneteenth along with racial and social justice issues.
The Delaware County Women’s Commission honored Chief Diversity Officer Michelle “Micki” Meekins-Davis with a Woman of Achievement Award at the commission’s awards celebrating Women’s History Month.
Meekins-Davis was one of three women honored under the theme “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” for her dedication to championing these principles within Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The awards recognize honorees for their invaluable accomplishments and contributions toward bettering the lives and opportunities of all women, and for their tireless advocacy for a future in which women can achieve their full potential, free from barriers and discrimination.
Meekins-Davis has been a part of Widener for over three decades, after starting as a part-time departmental assistant and rising to become the university’s inaugural full-time chief diversity officer. Along the way, she has served in various roles, such as the founding director of the Multicultural Student Affairs Office, where she supported and mentored students from underrepresented backgrounds. She developed innovative and effective programs, such as the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program and the Pride Mentoring Program. She contributed to the university’s Common Ground Initiative by bringing DiversiTEA gatherings to Widener, where conversations have fostered a sense of belonging and a culture of respect.
Meekins-Davis is a member of Widener President Stacey Robertson’s leadership team. Robertson introduced her at the awards event.
“Micki is the perfect embodiment of this honor,” she said. “She has dedicated her life and career to creating a more just and equitable society, and her work has touched thousands of lives in Delaware County and beyond.”
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Widener University has received the 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education.
Known as a HEED Award, the national recognition is bestowed on U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Widener University will be featured in the November 2022 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The university is among 103 honorees and was last recognized in 2018, at a time when values of diversity and inclusion were represented in the university's culture through the platform principle, “We’re All Widener.” The university continues to build upon that progress and is being recognized in light of additional gains that demonstrate and support a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
“I am thrilled to share that Widener has received the 2022 HEED Award,” said President Stacey Robertson. “As a community we are deeply grateful and honored to be recognized for our efforts in support of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. These core principles are woven into the fabric of Widener’s culture, so to be honored as a leader in this way is exceptionally rewarding and inspiring.”
Honorees were selected through a comprehensive and rigorous application process that looked at multiple areas relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees, leadership support for diversity, and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion.
“As a result of strong partnerships across our three campuses, Widener has made significant progress in building a strong foundation to support a culture that advances diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Chief Diversity Officer Micki Davis. “We will continue to focus on these principles and strengthen them as a central part of our community, reflected in our faculty, staff and our students.”
Widener has maintained a commitment to including diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in numerous programs and practices on its three campuses, including the recruitment and retention of faculty, staff and students. Highlights include:
“Our selection as a recipient of this award speaks to Widener’s universal commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and to the relentless work that both students and faculty are doing to empower each other in every space on our campuses,” Robertson said. “As our community grows, we will continue to work together to build on this progress.”
Widener University presented the William David Eckard, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to Michelle “Micki” Meekins-Davis ‘03, the chief diversity officer and director of multicultural affairs in the President’s Office, and Mary Anne Wood, an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Success.
This annual award, presented by President Julie E. Wollman, recognizes two longstanding employees for their commitment and outstanding service to the Widener community. William David Eckard III, former long-time vice president of administration and finance at Widener University and a 1966 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College, established the award in memory of his father, William David Eckard, Jr.
Micki Davis is a longtime, well-respected member of the Widener and broader regional communities. She has served as a leader for multicultural, cultural competence, social justice, equity, and diversity-related programs and workshops for students, faculty, and staff.
Mary Anne Wood has provided outstanding service to Widener students and employees since she first arrived on campus in 2007. She supports the work of all of the departments within the Office of Student Success and is a great proponent for each student’s success.
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