Feature story on UNF staff views of diversity 

Here is a feature story I wrote, and interviewed for my campaigns class, where I was Account Executive. The campaign focused on the importance of diversity in hiring within the field of STEM at the University of North Florida.

Dr. Elizabeth Brown is an associate psychology professor at UNF who is tackling diversity issues on campus. Brown has had many roles in seven years at UNF, one of them being the vice president of the faculty union at the university. Throughout Brown’s career, she studied and completed research on diversity and inclusion. At the beginning of her research, she explained that it was more gender, diversity, and equity issues. Over time, she realized the importance of diversity as a whole, and expanded her studies from just gender equity, to studying more cross-cultural issues amongst other minority groups. 

Brown began to assist with the Advance grant at UNF, in which she worked closely with Dr. Alexandra Schönning. Brown and Dr. Schönning in collaboration with other faculty members pioneered post-work diversity and inclusion training. The tragedy of George Floyd was a pivotal time in recent history that opened the eyes of Americans, including Brown, to the ever-rising issue of racially motivated police brutality. From then on, they’ve curated guidelines for diversity and inclusion and began reworking the curriculum as well as policies to address these issues. 

It was vital to hear from the voice of a faculty member as they are the ones in the middle of students and department chairs. 

“Most of the circles I run in endorse diversity, and our advocates alongside me,” stated Brown. Later she explained that no one has ever openly campaigned against the idea of diversity and inclusion, at least directly to her. Brown mentioned how the current and former provost of the university were advocates for diversity and inclusion. The university is currently in search of a new president, following President David Syzmanski’s departure. Brown included that the interim president, Pamela Challey is a huge advocate, and her reputation follows her as she was a recipient of the “Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement” award. The award is given to a woman who has committed her life's work to advance and inspire women. Brown received this award as well. 

“It’s not a matter of getting people here, but supporting them once they are recruited. We can increase the number of diverse people we are hiring, but if we don’t see policy and behavioral change, nothing will improve.” Stated Brown about how the university can improve hiring practices that remove biases, prejudices and highlight diversity.