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From l-r, President Jack Thomas, Provost Ken Hawkinson and Cathy Couza.
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Hawkinson: Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity

May 19, 2015

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MACOMB, IL -- Ken Hawkinson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, at Western Illinois University, received the Western Illinois University 2015 Cathy O'Neill Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity for his contributions to the University and the community at the 26th annual President's Excellence in Diversity Awards Reception held May 14.

"Dr. Hawkinson is another shining example of an effective champion for diversity and inclusion at Western Illinois University. He has exemplified a professional and personal commitment to promoting social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion," Cathy Couza, former director of Equal Opportunity and Access at WIU, said. "As a faculty member and an administrator, Ken stands for what is right, and works with people at all levels at the University to explain the benefits of multicultural understanding and internationalism in order to build positive alliances that create educational opportunities for the growth and development of all members of this University community of learners."

During his nearly 30-year tenure at WIU, Hawkinson has been engaged in numerous activities to improve the quality of life for faculty, staff and students and supported a wide range of diversity issues, Couza noted.

"For example, he has recognized that women are underrepresented in STEM fields, and has been a passionate advocate for academic programs with a special emphasis on women earning degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," she added. "He has worked toward the recruitment of underrepresented faculty and students and placed a special focus on expanding study abroad opportunities for WIU students to have diverse international experiences."

A former member of the U.S. Army, a Peace Corps Fellow and a Fulbright Scholar, Hawkinson has also worked to ensure that first-generation college students, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, succeed at WIU, Couza pointed out.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Hawkinson with the 2015 award," she said.

Individuals receiving 2015 Excellence in Diversity awards include:

Excellence in Education: LaTessa Black, Jim LaPrad and RISE@WIU.

Excellence in Leadership: Lukas Smith, Arthur Tate and Barbara Harroun.

Excellence in Service: Amy Peters, DeHavillan McCrary and the LGBTQA Resource Center.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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