Meritorious Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards

The Meritorious Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for faculty and staff were commissioned by President Elizabeth Davis in 2016. In 2020, the faculty Meritorious Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was renamed the Dr. Cherie Maiden Invitational Award in honor of one of the first and longest-tenured African-American professors at Furman. The Maiden Invitational Award was historically presented in a ceremony hosted by Furman’s multicultural office prior to the adoption of a university-wide awards program for students.

Since 2004, the Rosa Bodkin Award has recognized students for promoting understanding, awareness, and appreciation of persons of diverse backgrounds. The award was historically presented at the university-wide awards program for students before being elevated to a presidentially recognized award in 2018.

All award recipients must demonstrate an emerging or sustained commitment to advancing Furman’s value of diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. The recipients will receive a certificate and monetary award and will be acknowledged at Fall Convocation. Read the award criteria.

The 2020-2021 Meritorious Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were presented to Nick Radel, a professor of English, and Robyn Andrews, circulation supervisor/diversity coordinator/Pathways advisor. The Rosa Bodkin Award was presented to Queen Trapp class of 2022.

The 2018-2019 Meritorious Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were presented to Claire Whitlinger, an assistant professor of sociology, and Emilee O’Brien ’17, a Post-Baccalaureate Fellow for Social Justice and Community-Engaged Learning through the Center for Inclusive Communities. The Rosa  Bodkin Award was presented to Erik Ortiz class of 2020. Read the press release.

The 2017-2018 Meritorious Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were presented to Scott Salzman, a member of the library faculty, and Allyson Brown, associate director for multicultural recruitment. Read the press release.

The 2016-2017 Meritorious Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion were presented to Akan Malici, associate professor of politics and international Affairs, and Mike Winiski, interim executive director of community-engaged learning. Read the press release.

The recipients of the 2015-2016 inaugural awards were Dr. Steve O’Neill, professor of history; Carol Hagood, assistant director at the Center for Academic Success; and 2016 Furman graduate Liza Veilleux of Charlotte, N.C. Read the press release.

Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grants

Interested in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at Furman University? Do you have an idea that will further the Diversity Vision of Furman? If so, learn how to apply for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mini-Grant.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mini-Grant Recipients

Shucker Center for Leadership and Development Awards

The Shucker Center for Leadership and Development and the Division of Student Life recognizes students who have advanced Furman’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. The awards for this recognition include the Rosa Mary Bodkin Award, the Joseph Vaughn Award, and the Lillian Brock Flemming Award. See the award descriptions and latest recipients.