University of Alabama at Birmingham President Carol Z. Garrison, Ph.D., recently honored seven outstanding UAB community leaders during the 2012 President’s Awards for Diversity.  Members of the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education took home three out of the five awards presented.  Awards for contributions to inclusion on campus and beyond were received by College members in three of the five categories, this included:

Undergraduate student – Elizabeth Casswell
Casswell, a senior with an individually designed major in non-profit management, is noted for her innovative contributions in advancing the cause of justice and equality on campus. The Denver, Co. native is dedicated to the pursuit of fairness and has served to strengthen UAB as an institution. 

Staff – Michael “Josh” Carter
Carter, director of the UAB Office for Study Away, has been described as a master of cultural competence. His passion for educating students about international culture has given them a greater appreciation and sensitivity to their global neighbors and makes the UAB environment more diverse, friendly and open for all.

Faculty – Kay Emfinger, Ph.D.
Emfinger, an associate professor in the UAB School of Education, has facilitated a number of diversity projects that include work with the LBGTQ student organization, preschoolers and homeless children, the School of Education’s diversity committee and more.  She is committed to research in the area of diversity, writing and presenting on under-represented groups. 

Faculty – Marilyn Kurata, Ph.D.
Kurata, director of core curriculum enhancement, is noted for her work on the One Great Community Executive Committee, UAB Diversity and Equity Council and the Commission on the Status of Women Planning. She has been heralded for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to educational excellence and enrichment to the UAB campus. 

Congratulations to to each of our Diversity Award Winners, we are so proud of the work you do and your dedication to the importance of diversity.