Focus of Former Multicultural Center Shifts to Recruitment, Retention, Degree Completion

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Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – This year, the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, formerly the Multicultural Center, has expanded its physical space, added new programs and changed its name to enhance students’ experiences at the University of Arkansas. Cedric Kenner, director of the center, is excited about the rapid increase in student involvement this academic year.

“As the center continues to grow and we shift our focus to three points — recruitment, retention and degree completion of underrepresented students — we can do our part in making sure our institution puts students first,” he said.

The center, a part of the office of diversity affairs, encourages participation and involvement from all University of Arkansas students. The space was remodeled and is now larger to accommodate more students. Students have access to cubical-style seating for individual or group work as well as designated study areas for students who prefer a quiet study environment.

Additionally, new programs have been implemented to help students retain their scholarships and ultimately graduate. “Pathways to Success” is a program that offers academic enrichment to help new students get adjusted to the academic rigors of college. Also offered are the “Connections/Conexiones” mentoring programs that support first-year underrepresented students as they transition to life at the University of Arkansas.

Brande Flack-Armstrong, assistant director for leadership and development, has enjoyed seeing students improve academically over the course of a few months in the new space.

“With more of an academic focus, we are seeing more diverse students in the center utilizing the resources available and achieving like never before,” she said.

The center not only focuses on the education and well-being of students, it also offers ways for the entire campus community to learn and grow.

Presentations target diversity in the classroom and workplace, cultural competency, socioeconomic biases and misconceptions. These presentations focus on providing all students, faculty and staff with the education and awareness of the diversity issues that are relevant in today's society.

The center is now more closely aligned with the academic affairs division and strives to provide the necessary resources for the ever-growing population of students from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds to succeed in and out of the classroom.

The Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education’s goals are to provide a home-away-from-home atmosphere for ethnically diverse students; to nurture academic and personal success among students; to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the richness and diversity of ethnic cultures; to assist in creating a campus and community environment that promotes and values cultural differences; and to assist the university in the recruitment and retention of ethnically diverse students.

Visit http://multicultural.uark.edu/ to learn more about offerings of the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education at the YOU of A.