Dr. Melvin C. Terrell, founding director of the Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, Inc. has been selected a recipient of the 2019 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award for Region III of the Student Affairs Professionals in Higher Education (NASPA). The award honors a senior student affairs professional or faculty member who has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion throughout their administrative or academic tenure.

This year’s regional winners, announced at the recent NASPA Regions II & III Joint Summer Conference and Symposium in Washington, D.C., will advance for consideration at the national level. Terrell, a leading authority in college student affairs, has a long and accomplished career in higher education. 

See more from Diverse Issues in Higher Education HERE.

A recent report by the College and University Professional Association found that the student affairs field is demographically more diverse than other college professions and relatively lacking in pay-equity issues.  Relying on data it collected on student affairs professionals, findings showed that nearly 71 percent of positions are held by women. In contrast, about 58 percent of positions across higher education more broadly are occupied by women.  However, most racial demographics are underrepresented in student affairs.  While about 17 percent of college students are Hispanic, only about 8 percent of student affairs officials are. And Asian men and women comprise about 6 percent of students, but only about 3 percent of student affairs professionals.  

Learn more HERE.

Notable scholars Drs. Jerlando Jackson, LaVar Charleston, and Cornelius Gilbert have authored a new book, Advancing Equity and Diversity in Student Affairs, in honor of Dr. Melvin C. Terrell, founder of the Dr. Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, Inc. This text has a dual purpose: (1) to highlight how student affairs has grown as a field of practice in response to the growth of student diversity on college campuses, and (2) to honor the remarkable career of Melvin C. Terrell. As one of the unique contributions to higher education attributed to the United States, the practice of student affairs has played a significant role in supporting students as access to college has broadened. In turn, key principles of practice had to evolve to appropriately take into consideration diverse student development theory and needs. The span of Melvin C. Terrell’s legendary accomplishments neatly align with the professional evolution of student affairs. Each of the chapters in this book artfully straddle the dual purpose of this volume. Researchers, practitioners, and key decision‐makers will equally be empowered to employ the lessons and approaches informed by the evolution of student affairs over the past 30 years.  See more here in Diverse Issues of Higher Education.

Dr. Melvin C. Terrell, founding director of the Melvin C. Terrell Educational Foundation, Inc., was featured in the Diverse Issues of Higher Education cover story.  Published on June 28, 2018, the article details Dr. Terrell's approach to equity and diversity in student affairs and his commitment to education.   The article was prompted by a recent book written about Dr. Terrell entitled Advancing Equity and Diversity in Student Affairs - A Festschrift In Honor of Melvin C. Terrell.  A festschrift is a time honored academic tradition that recognizes the retirement of a noted and celebrated scholar.

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