Greetings Student Body and Haslam Colleagues,

As we embark upon the fall semester and new horizons, I would like to share my gratitude for your commitment and willingness to persevere. The Office of Diversity and Community Relations is committed to “Building Excellence through Inclusion,” and we invite you to take part in our events and activities. Throughout the semester, we will share updates and information related to our efforts toward maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment within the Haslam College of Business and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We encourage you to be involved and engaged with our diversity and inclusion initiatives for students, faculty and staff. Thanks for your continued support in our ongoing efforts to reach our objectives of diversity, equity and inclusion.

We look forward to serving Haslam and our surrounding community.

Have a successful start to the academic year,

Clarence L. Vaughn III
 

In spite of the restrictions put in place by COVID-19, ODCR was able to successfully transition its BETS, AIM and WEB summer programs to an online format and interact with rising high school juniors and seniors this summer. The virtual format enabled interaction with students across the nation including Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Nevada and Georgia. Students enjoyed sessions with faculty, staff and current Haslam students, campus partners and members of the Knoxville community.

If you are interested in serving as a peer counselor for these summer programs, contact Monica Thompson.
 

“My overall time at the WEB institute was enriching. I got to experience a college class first hand and understand the amount of work it takes to be a business student.” –WEB Institute participant

“AIM has prepared me for college because it has helped me learn more about internships, such as when I can apply for one and what types there are.” –AIM Academy participant

“My BETS experience was a spectrum of future learning for my financial and educational benefit that I really enjoyed. I was able to interact and learn from a wide range of people from Knoxville and beyond while working on the Marketplace simulation which I was able to learn a lot from.”  –BETS participant

The TakeOff program is geared toward aiding first-year students as they navigate the college transition and providing opportunities to begin attaining the skills they need to become future business leaders. Students participate in a variety of professional development workshops, build a network of peers and mentors and engage with working professionals. TakeOff welcomed 18 new participants for the 2020-21 academic year.
 

The Diversity Advancement Program (DAP) provides students with the opportunity to hone in on their leadership and interpersonal skills while expanding their personal network and advancing diversity initiatives at Haslam.

DAP Advocates are responsible for representing the department at student engagement opportunities, workshops and recruiting events. Advocates help facilitate dialogues promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world through workshops that reflect those in a business setting.

If interested in joining DAP, contact Pamela Sanchez. Her office hours are: M, T, F (2-3 p.m.), W, R (11 a.m. - noon)
 

The Office of Diversity & Community Relations would like to announce the new “Diverse Alumni Speaker Series.” ODCR will bring diverse Haslam alumni back to campus to speak with students. These alums will share their personal stories with students who attend, helping to inspire them toward achieving their goals. Due to COVID-19, the speaker series will be virtual this fall.

Dates for the events are included at the end of this newsletter. More information will be forthcoming in Haslam Headlines.

The Office of Diversity & Community Relations hosts two professional development trips each year – one in the fall and one in the spring. Students are introduced to various corporate organizations. Students who are selected are immersed in learning the strategic outlooks on leadership, diversity and professional development of the partner organizations.

The fall professional development trip will take place virtually, with students visiting one organization each evening. Students must apply and be selected in order to attend. Mark your calendars with the dates at the end of this newsletter. Dinner will be provided for selected students. Be on the lookout for more information in Haslam Headlines.

The Office of Diversity & Community Relations routinely holds various information sessions over the course of the school year. These sessions are hosted in conjunction with various employers, UT offices or departments, and faculty and staff. More information is forthcoming.
 

ODCR would like to send congratulations to its spring and summer 2020 graduates. These students received their ODCR medallions over the summer via mail. Best wishes in the future. Stay in touch!

Business Majors
Tamesha Bolden, Micah Gamble, Gabriela Pinzaru, Aysha Harris, Francisco Vargus Lemus, Zenzele Price-Richardson, Angelica Souksavong, Taylor Chayavon, Natassgia (Gia) White, Lauren Jackson, Aloysius White, Taylour Lang, Antrenisha Tyler, Isaac Holt, Terah Mullens, Karissa Rainey, Keenan (Richard) Sudderth, Christian Sugeng, Annie Tieu, Yu Wan, Kalvin Elias, Nikyra Beasley, Alisha Virani, Marisa McCalla, Aileen Lanzar, Racquel Gomez, Carly Jiaxin He, Brandon Hull, Sharon Okseniuk, Samia Smith, Robert Nisby, Manan Patel, Andy Park, Aleja Kemp, Ahren Reid

Business Minors
Samuel Williams, Monique Barksdale, Anthony Gourgy, Maggie Monaghan, Victoria Curry, Dillon Rosser, Chachthida Sukitjavanich

Email Nayasha Farrior to receive a zoom link for office hours, offered Monday-Friday by appointment, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
 

The Haslam College of Business, under the direction of Dean Stephen L. Mangum and ODCR, has begun a strategic process of creating a diversity action plan aimed at fostering and building an inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. While the action plan is in the review process, feedback related to recruitment, retention, education and placement of historically underrepresented populations is encouraged. Please contact ODCR to share any thoughts or ideas related to enhancing diversity initiatives within the college.
 

A faculty and staff Lunch and Learn, planned for the Fall Semester, is set to provide interactive discussion and insightful conversations that are focused on building an inclusive environment for all.

September:
September 9 – Diverse Alumni Speaker Series with Jasmen Grant and Keith McGee (6-8 p.m., virtual)
September 15 – Diversity Meet & Greet Jeopardy Game (3-5 p.m., virtual)
September 23 – Smith & Nephew Info Session (6-8 p.m., virtual)

October:
October 5-9 – Fall Professional Development Trip (6-8 p.m. daily, virtual)
October 29 – Real Talk with Deloitte and friends (6-8 p.m., virtual)
November:
November 9-13 – Veterans Week
November 11 – Diverse Alumni Speaker Series with Jessica Howard and Aubrey Meadows (6-8 p.m., virtual)