National group recognizes Northwest for commitment to diversity practices, Clarence Green as role model_Northwest Missouri State University[노스웨스트미주리주립대학교,미국유학]

National group recognizes Northwest for commitment to diversity practices, Clarence Green as role model_

Northwest Missouri State University[노스웨스트미주리주립대학교,미국유학]

Northwest student Lamon Phillips, University Police Chief Clarence Green, and diversity coordinators Gabrielle Ray and Edward Gibson attended the Minority Access National Role Models Award Gala in Washington, D.C., Oct. 1. Green was recognized as as a Minority Access National Role Model while Ray and Gibson accepted an institutional award on the University's behalf. (Submitted photo)

Northwest Missouri State University’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as its University Police chief were honored this month at a national conference for their commitment to diversity and increasing the pool of scholars from underrepresented populations.

University Police Chief Clarence Green was honored Oct. 1 as a Minority Access National Role Model at the National Role Models Award Gala in Washington, D.C., which coincided with the 17th National Role Models Conference, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

Northwest Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Juanita Simmons and diversity coordinators Gabrielle Ray and Edward Gibson also represented the University, accepting the institutional award on its behalf.

“I’m very excited about our institution award to join the forces of major universities across the country who have put forth deliberate, intentional efforts for diversity,” Simmons said. “We are joining a cadre of very outstanding universities, and we are pleased to be a part of it.”

Northwest has demonstrated and enhanced its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through the development and guidance of its strategic plan. The University places a focus on access and student success for both marginalized students and employees; learning and teaching that incorporates social justice and cultural competence to prepare all students for the global society; and the creation of an inclusive campus and community climate that allows the opportunity for success and growth.

The University and students have collaborated to identify and develop Northwest’s strategic goals, which have been adopted by Northwest leadership and its Board of Regents. The objectives are embedded in daily operations, and diversity, equity and inclusion is woven into the fabric of the campus experience at Northwest, Simmons said.

“I think our strategic plan for diversity pretty much outshines everybody else’s,” Simmons said. “We’ve got a little edge as far as what we are doing across the campus. We are pleased to be a part of that and to be able to share and exchange.”

Simmons nominated Green for the individual honor, and he attended the recognition banquet with Lamon Phillips, a Northwest student he is mentoring. Phillips is a freshman from St. Louis, majoring in recreation with an emphasis on corporate recreation and wellness.

Green joined Northwest in 1996 and was named to lead its police department in 1999. He is a police academy coordinator for the Missouri Sheriff’s Association and is serving a four-year term on the United States Attorney General of the Western District Law Enforcement Coordinating Executive Committee. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest and holds several law enforcement and emergency management certifications.

“Across the country, where there’s so much controversy involved in community policing and the relationships of particularly minority populations with our officers, Chief Green and his staff have done an outstanding job,” Simmons said, noting continued outreach efforts initiated by Green and University Police to support student success. “Again, this is an area where we are pretty much above meeting and leading many of the other organizations in this effort. He is very deserving of this award, and we have a model here that the nation needs to see.” 

The National Role Models Conference annually seeks to address issues of diversity and disparities in our nation. It presentations about diversity and inclusion, interactive discussions with experienced practitioners who have successfully implemented diversity and inclusion strategies, and opportunities to network with and learn from like-minded professionals who share a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The conference also includes an Undergraduate Student Research Competition with cash awards totaling up to $7,500.

“Our aim is to identify inspirational role models in various categories to inspire others to emulate them, and thereby increase the pool of scholars and professionals who will find cures for illnesses or solve technological problems or address social disparities in society,” Andrea D. Mickle, the president of Minority Access Inc., said.