UC director honored with national Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award

UC's director of Student Activities and Leadership Development Nicole Ausmer, PhD, was named the 2021 winner of the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Outstanding Diversity Achievement Award. The award is presented to individuals that positively contribute to the development of programs and services promoting cultural diversity, understanding and awareness. 

"Dr. Aus," as she is affectionately known by students and colleagues around campus and beyond, was the founder of ROOTEd, a three-part professional development series designed to ensure Student Affairs staff are properly prepared to work with an increasingly diverse population of students, faculty and staff members. This fall, she launched AFFIRM, a series of programs dedicated to helping students of color find community during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nicole Mayo, EdD, assistant vice president of student affairs, compliments Ausmer's dedication to inclusion efforts.

“Dr. Aus has advocated for and received additional funding for positions dedicated to social change programming,” says Mayo who explains that Ausmer was not asked to create these programs, rather, "she’s a self-starter who notices gaps and works collaboratively to create opportunities for the university community."

"I am grateful to work in a space that allows innovation around social change, space for students to find their voices and room for staff members to grown and develop," says Ausmer. She recalls UC's motto, which translates to "strength in unity" — a timely reminder that we all must work together to move forward, "Diversity, equity, and inculsion work belongs to all of us. Juncta Juvant!" 

Ausmer will be recognized during NACA's April 7, 2021 virtual award ceremony, which will be broadcast on Facebook at noon EST.