University News

President Jack Thomas presented EOA Director Andrea Henderson the 2017 Cathy O'Neill Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Henderson: Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity

June 20, 2017

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL -- Andrea Henderson, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at Western Illinois University, received the Western Illinois University 2017 Cathy O'Neill Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity for her contributions to the University and the community at the 28th annual President's Excellence in Diversity Awards Reception held last month on the WIU-Macomb campus.

"Andrea joins past recipients in exemplifying professional and personal commitment to promoting justice, equity and diversity through education, personal example and action," said Ron Williams, vice president for student services. "Through her work and public service, Andrea has shown herself to be a passionate advocate of social justice, fairness and inclusiveness. Since coming to Western more than 20 years ago, she has actively engaged in activities to further awareness and understanding of diversity in all aspects of the Western experience. She has led many university committees focused on the realization of the University mission to provide an environment in which diversity thrives. "

Henderson has served as the director of Western's Office of Equal Opportunity and Access since July 2009. Previously, she served as a human resource manager in WIU's Human Resource department. Prior to joining the HR staff, she was an equal opportunity officer in the Affirmative Action Office and in Human Resources. Henderson has also served as an assistant equal opportunity officer in Affirmative Action and in Human Resources, and as a purchasing officer in Western's Purchasing Office. She joined WIU's staff in 1988.

"Andrea works in the background for each and every one of us, patiently teaching, providing advocacy and support for faculty, students, and staff in matters of equity. She has worked relentlessly to provide due process, while assisting university community members through trauma and crisis. She is fearless -- unafraid to come to the table and confront issues of diversity and inclusiveness, with a goal-minded focus," Williams added. "Her commitment does not stop at the edge of our campuses, but shines in the positive work she consistently provides in the community, supporting housing initiatives, our children, and law enforcement. She motivates those who work with her to be more aware and make positive change in the environment we all share. "

During her years at Western, Henderson has served on a variety of committees, including the University Diversity Council, the ADA Advisory Committee, the Web Accessibility Committee, the University Committee on Sexual Orientation Gender Identity/Expression, the Gender Equity in Athletics Committee and the Council of Administrative Personnel. In the community, she actively serves in her church, on the Macomb Fire and Police Commission, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Board and the Housing Authority of McDonough County Board. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Samaritan Well, and P.R.I.M.E., a summer youth program.

...

Individuals receiving 2017 Excellence in Diversity awards include: Excellence in Education: Dikshith Ram Adabala; Excellence in Leadership: Laura Arnold, Michelle Janisz, Danielle Thompson and Monika Wasshausen; and Excellence in Service: Yong Tang and Barry McCrary.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing