Vol. 38, No. 18

2-2-2006
By: Rodger Smith

Mansfield campus honored with NAACP award

Ohio State Mansfield faculty and staff attending the Mansfield Branch Freedom Fund Dinner of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Oct. 22 were pleasantly surprised when the campus was named the recipient of the organization's 2005 Community Service Award in recognition of "its community involvement with diversity educational programs, seminars and workshops."

"Even though we'd never before given an award to a university, we felt that Ohio State had been very generous and diligent about furthering diversity, not just with students and faculty but with our community," said Cynthia O'Neal, president of the NAACP's Mansfield branch. "I'm looking forward to continued collaborations with them."

The event highlighted the local NAACP's accomplishments throughout the year and drew about 200 people.

"We were very surprised and deeply honored to be chosen for this important recognition by the local NAACP branch," said Evelyn Freeman, dean and director of the Mansfield campus. "We are committed to continued involvement with the minority community as an integral part of our educational mission."

Evidence of that commitment can be seen in the ongoing meetings and dialog between campus leadership and representatives of the minority community in Mansfield. The campus has worked with multicultural consultant Mataryun Wright to develop a plan for recruiting more diverse students. In addition, the NAACP is planning an event for the summer that will bring elementary students to campus for a week to encourage them to consider the possibility of pursuing higher education.

"We need to let these younger people know that the goal is well within their reach," O'Neal said. "The effort is there at Ohio State, and we as a community have to do our part."

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