UC Invests In Student Diversity

University of Cincinnati President Santa J. Ono and Provost Beverly Davenport have announced new investments, totaling $440,000 annually, in

UC’s Diversity Plan

.

“The University of Cincinnati will invest an additional $440,000 annually to further promote and support the diversity of our student population,” Davenport said. “This is integral to our public mission of recruiting, welcoming and nurturing students, faculty and staff who broaden the educational experience and contribute to excellence in all that we do.”

“Every year these investments will have roughly the same impact as a $9 million endowment,” Ono said. “This is an important investment in creating a university community that welcomes and embraces diversity.”

The additional funds will support three scholarship programs starting in fall 2014:

• The Office of the President will invest $100,000 annually in the Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program.  In addition, President Ono will provide $200,000 in reserve funds to further support the retention of Turner Scholars. 
• The newly established Niehoff Presidential Scholars Program will provide approximately $140,000 annually to support women and students of color in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine) majors.   
• In partnership with The Office of the Provost, The Graduate School will invest $200,000 annually in the Yates Scholarship Program.

“These investments both reflect and advance the vision set forth in UC’s Diversity Plan, enabling us to make significant progress toward our first goal of recruiting, retaining and graduating a diverse student population,” said Bleuzette Marshall, UC’s Interim Chief Diversity Officer.

Ono and Davenport said new investments in other strategic areas outlined in the University’s Diversity Plan would be announced in the weeks ahead.

The Darwin T. Turner Scholars Program, established in 1976, honors an African American student who, at the age of 16, was the youngest person ever to graduate from the University of Cincinnati. UC’s Office of Ethnic Programs & Services offers this scholarship program to promote academic excellence, foster diversity and provide leadership opportunities to incoming students.  Turner Scholars are expected to participate in programs and activities designed to improve their intellectual, personal and professional development.
 
Making good on a recommendation by President Ono, UC sold its former presidential residence and redirected resources from the home’s operating budget to establish the Niehoff Presidential Scholarship Endowment to benefit students.  Niehoff Presidential Scholars are expected to successfully complete the summer bridge program at UC.

UC’s Yates Scholars Program supports the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with high potential for academic success in UC’s graduate programs.

Students need not apply for the awards, according to Caroline Miller, Senior Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.  They will be selected based on their academic accomplishments across the colleges and their demonstrated need as reported on the financial aid form (FAFSA).  Students should complete the FAFSA process by March 1, 2014, in order to be considered. In the case of Yates Scholars, incoming, full-time graduate students are nominated by the departments to which they apply.