How are universities producing graduates prepared for the global workforce – and why does that matter to corporate America?
National and regional experts will convene at Northern Kentucky University this week for an immersive symposium to examine the importance of creating inclusive environments in higher education and corporate America. The event, titled “Forging Partnerships for Inclusive Excellence,” is co-sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and the University of Kentucky.
“Higher education has always viewed the corporate sector as being one step ahead of us in this area. And yet the corporate sector looks to the academic world for validation,” said Andra R. Ward, President & CEO of The Khafre Ward Corp. and a member of NKU’s Board of Regents. “Very few times are there opportunities for both sides to sit together and discuss this topic and desired outcomes.”
In addition to bringing together corporate and academic thought leaders, the symposium will feature emerging scholarship, interactive workshops, and keynotes that will highlight best practices for reaching the goal of making excellence inclusive.
Keynoter, Dr. Damon Williams
“The aspiration of the symposium is to connect the educational and economic benefits of diversity and inclusion and to forge new partnerships in our ongoing commitment to this important work,” said Dr. Kathleen Roberts, Senior Advisor to the President for Inclusive Excellence at NKU.
On Thursday evening, NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns will join researcher and author Dr. Damon Williams; University of Cincinnati Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Dr. Bleuzette Marshall; and Eastern Kentucky University Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Timothy Forde for a moderated panel discussion.
Friday will offer presentations, workshops, and a keynote lecture by Dr. Williams, who is Senior Vice President and Chief Educational and Youth Development Officer at The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Speakers include Cincinnati State Technical and Community College President Dr. Monica Posey and Chris Brassell, Director of U.S. Inclusion & Talent Management for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
All events will be held at NKU’s Votruba Student Union Ballroom. The cost is $50. NKU students may attend free of charge.
For information or to attend, please visit inclusive.nku.edu.
