SHSS Faculty a Keynote Speaker

Debra Nixon, Ph.D., associate chair of the Department of Family Therapy at Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, was the keynote speaker for the 2008 NSU Diversity Summit on Feb. 9.

Nixon’s address was about the importance of diversity in organizations. She emphasized how diversity ensures progress and eventually success in any organization. She pointed out that leadership must also create an environment where diversity is valued and sustained. She used a sport metaphor (basketball) to suggest that if everyone on the team played the same position (e.g. forward) then the team would never win, because so many other important positions would not be covered. Having a diverse team increases the chances of winning.

Approximately 90 undergraduates and graduates from NSU and Barry University participated. Members from the Urban League attended with students from Ft. Lauderdale's Dillard High School.

The NSU Diversity Summit is an annual event that is designed to raise participants' awareness of the many perspectives that make up our world; provide an opportunity to examine issues impacting our diverse community; and supply applicable tools and strategies to participants on how to take action in order to improve our world. Students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, and members of the extended community may all benefit.

This year the 2008 NSU Diversity Summit theme was "Diversity and Organizations." Nixon was the 2005 Co-Curriculum Advisor of the Year from STUEY and was recognized in 2007 by Who's Who in Black South Florida.