Two MSU faculty members recognized at annual Diversity Awards
The Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning hosted the Annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards virtually on Feb. 18 to celebrate Black History Month. The Diversity Awards are set up to acknowledge and applaud university and community leaders in their efforts in advancing diversity and encouraging respect.
During the virtual ceremony, two Mississippi State University assistant professors, Qiana M. Cutts, PH.D. and Derris D. Burnett, PH.D., were honored for their work in furthering diversity and inclusion at MSU.
Dr. Cutts is an assistant professor in Educational Foundations from Alabama who has found her home at MSU. She holds two master’s degrees and one doctorate, and she combined analysis and poetry to do research at MSU. She is incredibly focused on helping students of color in higher education and recognizes there may be an adjustment period for some. She wants the success for these students and not just for them to be merely admitted to MSU. She wants them to thrive.
Dr. Burnett is an assistant professor in Muscle Biology and Meat Science. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tuskegee University, his doctorate degree from Auburn University and did postdoctorate research at Kansas State University before coming to MSU. He is a Colorado native and grilling enthusiast, and he started a Meat Chemistry and Cuisine Club.
The two big awards of the night were given to an associate professor at the University of Mississippi and the Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives.
Dr. Arthur E. Doctor an associate professor and Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at UM was awarded the 2021 Diversity Educator of the Year. In his position, he has created the EMERGE Leadership Program which supports the development of diverse student leaders in Greek life on campus. He also implemented diversity training for all recruitment processes for all fraternity and sorority life.
Not only does Doctor work with Greek life, but he also serves on the Bias Education and Response Team and works with various departments such as Equal Opportunity and Regulatory Compliance/title XI and Center of Inclusion and Cross-cultural Engagement,
“This award is a testament to my phenomenal Fraternity & Sorority Life staff, students and other stakeholders who are committed to ensuring that we are fostering an experience where everyone feels not only welcome but affirmed,” Dr. Doctor said. “The great work we have been able to do would not be accomplished were it not for our strong partnership with the Center for Inclusion & Cross-cultural Engagement, as well as the Division of Diversity & Community Engagement here at the University of Mississippi. It is our vision to provide the premier fraternity and sorority experience in the country and the ideals of diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our work.”
Speaker Philip Gunn received the Karen Cummins Community Service Award which he was voted for unanimously by the Board of Trustees. The Karen Cummins Community Service Award is given to those who help improve the state’s communities with a welcoming and inclusive spirit.
Speaking Gunn is most known for his leadership in the House on working to get the new Mississippi state flag. He has served in the House since 2004 and served as Speaker of the House since 2012.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this award. However, I am just one of many people who had a hand in making this happen,” Speaker Gunn said. “The courage shown by my fellow legislators in making this positive change for Mississippi is inspirational and must be lauded. Ultimately, however, the greatest acknowledgment must go to the men and women of Mississippi who voted by an astounding majority to effectuate this change. This is a great triumph for our state, one in which each and every Mississippian can be proud.”