The IDEALS Institute at the University of Arkansas will hold an open house from 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Nov. 22, at its office in Suite 117 on 640 N. Garland Ave. It is free and open to the public.

The event offers attendees the opportunity to learn more about the institute and the services it offers as the go-to resource for diversity and inclusion leadership in Arkansas. Supported in part through external funding, the institute provides diversity and inclusion-related expertise, research, education and training as well as outreach and engagement to entities across the state.

"We are incredibly excited to launch the IDEALS Institute, which will provide diversity, equity and inclusion education and strategies to strengthen communities," said Elecia Smith, executive director of the institute. "We look forward to partnering with entities in the region and state to create environments that foster growth, maximize effectiveness, and support well-being."

The institute was approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in the spring and officially opened this fall. The organization has already provided education and training for the University of Arkansas - Rich Mountain, the Arkansas chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the Northwest Arkansas Human Resources Association, and a variety of other businesses, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies.   

The open house will also introduce staff members who have recently joined the institute: Marcia A. Shobe, director of research; and Rickey Booker, Magdalena Arroyo and Anne Shelley, who are trainers, facilitators and consultants. To learn more about the team, visit the IDEALS website.