2008 Woodie Awards
Officials consider diversity candidates
Search committee looking for college experience
By: Beth Kieda
Issue date: 11/19/07 Section: News
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It's been about three months since former Affirmative Action Officer Michael Powell left the university.
In that time, a search committee chaired by Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, selected three finalist candidates.
"We're looking for folks experienced in the college and university setting," Holtgreive said in a Nov. 7 Central Michigan Life story. "Obviously someone who is knowledgeable in the affirmative action field."
Lee Gill, Jeannie Jackson and L. Michael Woods have visited CMU and spoken to faculty, staff and students at open forums.
According to CMU's Web site, the affirmative action office coordinates and monitors affirmative action and equal opportunity programs at the university to ensure compliance with relevant state and federal statutes.
Here's what the three finalists had to say:
Gill
Gill was the first candidate to visit campus, on Nov. 6.
He is the chief executive officer of Stratus Group Consultants Inc., a workplace consultant firm. During his forum, Gill said Proposal 2 had a chilling effect on affirmative action programs in Michigan, but believes he can handle the challenges at CMU.
Gill described affirmative action as a way to ensure universities and colleges comply with laws and guidelines.
"I will not legally stand by and let people be discriminated against," he said.
Gill was affirmative action officer and dean of professional development at the Institute for Diversity and Leadership at Lake Michigan College.
Woods
A university setting is nothing new for Woods.
He worked at Grand Valley State University for 17 years in roles such as director of affirmative action, dean of multicultural affairs and assistant director for admissions. He currently is a senior associate at Integrity Search Associates, a firm dedicated to helping colleges and universities recruit candidates for top leadership positions.
Woods said historical perceptions can put society in places it should not be in.
In that time, a search committee chaired by Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, selected three finalist candidates.
"We're looking for folks experienced in the college and university setting," Holtgreive said in a Nov. 7 Central Michigan Life story. "Obviously someone who is knowledgeable in the affirmative action field."
Lee Gill, Jeannie Jackson and L. Michael Woods have visited CMU and spoken to faculty, staff and students at open forums.
According to CMU's Web site, the affirmative action office coordinates and monitors affirmative action and equal opportunity programs at the university to ensure compliance with relevant state and federal statutes.
Here's what the three finalists had to say:
Gill
Gill was the first candidate to visit campus, on Nov. 6.
He is the chief executive officer of Stratus Group Consultants Inc., a workplace consultant firm. During his forum, Gill said Proposal 2 had a chilling effect on affirmative action programs in Michigan, but believes he can handle the challenges at CMU.
Gill described affirmative action as a way to ensure universities and colleges comply with laws and guidelines.
"I will not legally stand by and let people be discriminated against," he said.
Gill was affirmative action officer and dean of professional development at the Institute for Diversity and Leadership at Lake Michigan College.
Woods
A university setting is nothing new for Woods.
He worked at Grand Valley State University for 17 years in roles such as director of affirmative action, dean of multicultural affairs and assistant director for admissions. He currently is a senior associate at Integrity Search Associates, a firm dedicated to helping colleges and universities recruit candidates for top leadership positions.
Woods said historical perceptions can put society in places it should not be in.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Lloyd Hansen
posted 11/20/07 @ 10:21 AM EST
I seem to remember a ballot initiative a few months ago that mandated that the state ban AA programs. Oh yes, it was called Prop 2 and passed with 58% of the popular vote. (Continued…)
Sean Michael Novak
posted 11/20/07 @ 1:15 PM EST
Correction:
Proposal 2 did not end affirmative action programs. It only ended certain affirmative action programs which grant preferential treatment. (Continued…)
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