diversity awards

Dr. P.B. Poorman played an instrumental role in the foundation of the UW System Inclusivity Initiative for LGBTQ People, as a member of the original Steering and Research Committee. Her contributions to improving the lives of LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff through research, teaching, services and advocacy all served to define and lay out the identity and activities of the system-wide Inclusivity Initiative.

To honor Dr. Poorman's legacy to the state of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin System and the LGBTQ communities, the UW System LGBTQ Inclusivity Initiative has established an annual award in her name. The award is intended to recognize a UW System faculty, academic or classified staff, or registered UWS student for his or her excellence in advocacy, research, teaching, or service on behalf of the LGBTQ communities.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, individuals must either be currently employed 50 percent time or greater as a member of a UWS Institution as faculty, instructional or non-instructional academic staff, classified staff, or a registered student at one of the UW System institutions.

CRITERIA

Outstanding Achievement as evidenced by performance that consistently and substantially has resulted in important and significant contributions to the LGBTQ communities within the UW System.

Contributions above and beyond the assigned duties of the nominee's role are especially valued. The recipient may not have previously received the award.

The recipient will have:

• Significantly furthered the mission, vision and goals of the Inclusivity Initiative for LGBTQ People,
  and/or
• performed at a high level resulting in one's profession – campus-wide, system-wide, statewide, nationally or internationally for research, teaching or service regarding LGBTQ issues;
  and/or
• published, presented, consulted, advocated, and/or used creative approaches to address LGBTQ issues within the classroom or in service to students.

A call for nominations will go out annually from the Inclusivity Initiative. For more information, please contact ideass@uwsa.edu.

The award recognizes institutional change agents who have established a successful record in fostering greater access and success for students who are members of historically underrepresented populations (including African Americans, American Indians, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Southeast Asians), first-generation and/or economically disadvantaged. By recognizing the exceptional impact these change agents have on institutional life, this award affirms the Regents' and the UW System Administration's strong commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence.

University of Wisconsin-System Board of Regents Diversity Award Guidelines: http://www.uwp.edu/news/pdf/2012guidelines.pdf

Past UW-P Award Recipients

• 2009: Roseann Mason