BOCA RATON, FL (October 20, 2010) – Florida Atlantic University recently was honored by Minority Access, Inc. for its commitment to diversity at the 11th National Role Models Conference in Las Vegas. FAU was recognized based on materials submitted demonstrating the success of its diversity initiative and diversity committee, which provides a forum and a comprehensive process that focuses on charting a course to enhance FAU’s strategic goal of becoming comprehensively more inclusive and diverse.

“We will continue to value and promote diversity as the University grows in the years ahead,” said Maria Santamarina, diversity officer of FAU, the only higher education institution in South Florida to have this designated position. “There can be no higher standard for an institution of higher learning to uphold than that which affirms the intrinsic worth and dignity of all human beings.”

The list of highlights of FAU’s diversity initiative include its intercultural communication internship; the women’s mentoring initiative; the interfaith initiative; a community forum on racial profiling; and the creation of the South Florida Diversity Alliance (SFDA). The SFDA seeks to unite the higher education community to support and promote diversity awareness, competence and inclusion, and includes representation from various universities and colleges in South Florida.

At present, minority and international students make up more than 40 percent of FAU’s student body, and according to U.S. News and World Report, the University ranks 28th nationally in student-body diversity. Additionally, a review of U.S. Dept. of Education data in Diverse: Issues in Higher Education ranks the University 32nd nationally in the number of bachelor's degrees conferred upon minorities.

Minority Access, Inc. is a nonprofit educational organization that provides support to colleges and universities, federal, state and local governments, private agencies and corporations to diversify their campuses and work sites by improving the recruitment, retention and enhancement of minorities.  Minority Access recognizes colleges and universities that are committed to diversity at their annual National Role Models Conference, which assembles researchers, faculty, administrators, students, mentors and alumni from throughout the United States.

DIVERSITY SPECTRUM