A Message from Michelle Cook
The past year has been a difficult and unusual one. We have heard, and perhaps used, the term unprecedented more than ever. It has been an apt description of what we have experienced as a society and in our individual lives. The strain of isolation, uncertainty and loss has been, well, unprecedented. But, as a society and as individuals, we have also risen to incredible heights of humanity. Reflecting on diversity and its intrinsic value, I am encouraged by the many ways in which this experience has reminded us of our shared humanity. A humanity that is enriched by the diversity of our backgrounds, experiences, origins and perspectives. A humanity that is able to progress and move forward in the midst of incredible adversity. A humanity that continues to seek new challenges and unknown possibilities. This resilience has definitely been a trademark of our UGA community.
It is particularly important that we recognize the strength of our community this
year. January 9, 2021 marked the 60th anniversary of the desegregation of the University of Georgia. It was on that day
in 1961 that Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Hamilton Holmes matriculated at UGA as the
first Black undergraduates. It was truly a day that changed our institution forever
and for the better. We continued to strive towards true integration and in May of
1961, Mary Frances Early became the first Black graduate student on our campus. This
spring we are celebrating their strength, their courage and their generosity. For
truly, their actions were a gift to us all.
This edition of our newsletter recognizes and celebrates those who have continued
to pave new paths and reach new heights. This has been an exciting time for the University
of Georgia. Just this semester, Dr. Marshall Shepherd was elected to the National
Academy of Engineering while recently retired Dr. Dawn Bennett-Alexander has been
honored by an award that bears her name and recognizes the contributions of faculty
to promoting diversity and inclusion. Faculty such as Tiffany Washington are developing
new pedagogical methods to meet the needs of students during the pandemic. Dr. José
Cordero continues his study of how environmental pollutants can cause preterm births
or other complications in pregnant women. These accomplishments, as well as the selection
of Phaidra Buchanan as UGA’s 25th Rhodes Scholar and first African-American Rhodes Scholar, reflect the indomitable
spirt of the Bulldog Nation. We continue to break records and address significant
social challenges as we make the change that we want to see in the world.
I am reminded of the African proverb, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
This year we have all earned our sea legs, and we are so much more than we were before.
This is what we celebrate; who we are, who we have become and who we will be tomorrow.
We have such an opportunity to do and be better as we embrace the diversity of our
identities, cultures and histories. We have the opportunity to learn from one another
as we move forward. This is not easy to do, as there are so many issues and distractions
that can separate us. But, if we have learned anything over the past year, it is the
strength and power of community.
“Our differences are our strength as a species and as a world community.” - Nelson
Mandela
Michelle Cook
Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion and Strategic University Initiatives
