MESSAGE from Dr. Vincent
This has been an incredible year for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement (DDCE). Our first two years were spent building relationships, on campus and in the community, and establishing the processes and structures we needed to function effectively. Now in our third year, the DDCE has hit its stride. Although we are still laying the foundation needed for a large division, we have made real progress serving our communities, deepening existing partnerships, creating valuable new partnerships, and meeting new benchmarks of success.
Once students are enrolled in the university, our Longhorn Center for Academic Success provides the support underrepresented students need to succeed, including exposure to graduate school and research. By helping students see that graduate or professional school is a real possibility, we encourage their pursuit of advanced degrees. The education pipeline is completed with our thematic faculty hiring initiative, enabling colleges and schools across the university to hire outstanding faculty members who bring intellectual and cultural diversity to campus.
When President Bill Powers created the division in 2006 as part of his commitment to diversity and community engagement, he aligned existing units and programs that had diversity and community engagement at their core. In doing so, he established a division that remains an exemplar in higher education. We have merged units and programs, but even in the face of budget cuts, we have been able to expand critical areas of work and develop new initiatives to support the core purpose of The University of Texas at Austin—to transform lives for the benefit of society.
The DDCE also hosts and supports a number of events that celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of students, scholars, and community members from underrepresented populations. We have played a key role in addressing issues of bias and inequity on campus through our Office of Institutional Equity and through our role in the creation of a campus climate response team. As well, we have helped build a more positive relationship between the university and East Austin through our community engagement efforts and our Community Engagement Center. Two of our largest units—the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health and the University Interscholastic League—touch communities across the state.
Much of our work involves addressing long-standing, systemic problems—issues of equality, social justice, and equity. In just a few years’ time we cannot erase the past, but we can take steps to remove barriers that hinder the success of students from underrepresented populations, including those with disabilities; to foster new community partnerships to help solve problems related to economic development and education; and to recognize important contributions to the university from African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asian Americans, individuals from the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities. Through our innovative initiatives, DDCE is especially dedicated to increasing the success of underserved students throughout the education pipeline. Beginning with the exemplary-rated UT Elementary School and the Neighborhood Longhorns Program, our division is working with the youngest students, helping them to achieve at high levels academically. Through our five UT Outreach Centers and academic programs such as our new Longhorn Pre-College Academy in Dallas and our ChemBridge and SPURS programs, we partner with underrepresented high schools, helping to create a college-going culture for students and educating parents about what is needed to enter college.
As you read through this report, we hope you will be encouraged by the work of our outstanding staff and be able to experience some of the ways we have changed the campus climate of the university. Our efforts do more than improve the educational experience for first-generation college students or students from underrepresented populations. All students benefit from being exposed to diverse ideas, perspectives, and people, especially as the global economy continues to grow. Our next generation of leaders must be equipped to face the challenges of a world where cultural competence is a necessity. What starts here in the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement does indeed change the world.
Dr. Gregory J. Vincent Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement W. K. Kellogg Professor in Community College Leadership Professor of Law
Division of Diversity and Community Engagement • The University of Texas at Austin
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