A photo gallery of noteworthy graduates stretches across two walls in the office of the Community College Leadership Program, or CCLP, at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. John Roueche, the director of CCLP, points to the photos with pride, listing the accomplishments of his former students. Scanning the portraits, one of his greatest…

This year's group of "emerging scholars" is a force to be reckoned with. This diverse group of young (under-40) crusaders is pushing the boundaries of research, technology and public policy in ways never imagined and reaching new heights of accomplishments. The Class of 2009 includes a physiologist who devised an artificial pancreas to produce the…

For Dr. Freeman Hrabowski III, nothing beats the view from the top of the world that he helped shape during the past 20 years. Even on a day when storm clouds hover, the president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, or UMBC, humbly acknowledges that his academic kingdom looks mighty good. He has been key in shaping the university into…

When President Obama delivered the commencement address at Miami Dade College (MDC) in April, it was yet another coup for the high-profile institution--but not a first. Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also were graduation speakers, as the community college continues to be a magnet for national and international dignitaries. MDC has…

This article features the male and female finalists of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars 2009. The male finalists are: (1) Sam Bradford (University of Oklahoma); (2) Jamaal Parker (University of Georgia); (3) Masumi Turnbull (University of Kentucky); and (4) Brian Robiskie (The Ohio State University). The female finalists are: (1) Shardea Croes…

In previous anniversary editions, this publication has featured accomplished and established higher education leaders of note. In this article, the author features 25 up-and-coming leaders, many of whom are carrying the diversity mantle forward in an avowed commitment to progress. Narrowing the field of great academicians and advocates to just 25…

Ruth Simmons made a big news splash a decade ago when she was named president of Brown University, making her the first Black president of an Ivy League institution. She made another splash three years later by naming a committee to investigate Brown's role in the slave trade and make recommendations on possible reparations. Reflecting on her…

This article features Kenneth Avila, Northwestern University's junior centerfielder in baseball. He has volunteered at a Christian youth camp, in a Buddy Ball game with disabled and special education children, and at a sports day at a local elementary school. He has read to children in classrooms at local schools and helped out at a Halloween…

This article features Oklahoma State University (OSU) soccer midfielder Yolanda Odenyo. Odenyo grew up in Sweden the daughter of a Swedish mother and Kenyan father. Each year, she would spend her summer months in either Kenya or Zaire. She believes her extensive travels gave her a global perspective and a strong appreciation for human rights and…

Dr. John Hope Franklin chronicled the experiences of African-Americans like no one before him, forcing America to recognize Black history as American history. His contributions were innumerable and his impact was abiding. In celebration of his life and legacy, the authors profile the celebrated scholar and activist, Dr. John Hope Franklin.

In recent years, questions have been posed about the relevance of Black History Month and related celebrations, particularly those in institutions of higher education. Some of the events that are listed under Black History Month celebrations are only loosely associated with anything Black or historical. Black History Month celebrations at some…

Each year it becomes increasingly difficult to select just 10 Emerging Scholars. There are so many outstanding scholars of color in the academy who are breaking new ground in research, applying scholarship to public policy and grooming the next generation of leaders and professionals. "Diverse's" 2007 Emerging Scholars are doing all of that while…

Adults regularly ask children what they want to be when they grow up. The responses are often interesting. David Castillo knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life, even at a young age. Now he is well on his way to accomplishing his childhood dream. Castillo, a center for the Florida State University (FSU) Seminoles' football team and…