Contingencies for Success: Examining Diversity Committees in Higher Education
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Contingencies for Success: Examining Diversity Committees in Higher Education Raul A. Leon 1 & Damon A. Williams 2
# Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016
Abstract This study focused on an examination of the work of 10 diversity committees operating in 10 research institutions across the midwestern region of the United States. We explored the work of these committees with a focus on the concept of strategic diversity leadership. To conduct this examination we examined five contingencies impacting the work of the committees: a clear definition of diversity, the scope of operation, the importance of committee membership, the role and responsibilities of the committee, and the permanence of the group. Based upon our findings we offer recommendations for diversity committees to contribute to institutional efforts focused on diversity. Keywords diversity . committee . strategy . leadership . higher education Discussion pertaining to diversity has emerged as one of the most significant issues of our time (Harper and Hurtado 2007; Milem et al. 2005). In the field of higher education, researchers have argued and gathered evidence to show that institutions must be strategic and intentional when dealing with current changes; and they must embrace practices that are innovative, sustainable, and show commitment to diversity (Harper and Hurtado 2007; Milem et al. 2005; Raul A. Leon is Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs at Eastern Michigan University. He received a Master’s Degree in International Public Affairs and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His work examines strategic diversity management, student success, and the internationalization of American higher education. He can be contacted at [email protected] Damon Williams is the Senior Vice President, Chief Educational and Youth Development Officer at The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He received a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Management from the Center for the Study of Post-Secondary Education from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His scholarly research agenda centers on issues of diversity, organizational change, and building dedicated diversity capacity across all areas of organizational life. He can be contacted at [email protected]
* Raul A. Leon [email protected]
1
Department of Leadership and Counseling, Eastern Michigan University, John W. Porter Bldg, 304H, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
2
Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Atlanta, GA, United States
Innov High Educ
Pedersen et al. 2006). An examination of the college and university landscape revealed that campuses continue to create administrative positions, programs, and policies that seek to advance their diversity agendas (Kezar 2008; Williams and Wade-Golden 2007). Central to these strategic efforts, institutions have created diversity committees, commissions, councils, and taskforces to pursue diversity goals. These groups bring together individuals from throughout the institution who have a wealth o
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