President Saliman, Black women leaders discuss community support for student success
With diversity, equity, inclusion and access being a pillar in the University of Colorado’s strategic plan, President Todd Saliman remains steadfast in his outreach to various constituent groups important to the pillar’s success.
This past Saturday, President Saliman had the opportunity to speak to a group of Black women leaders from metro Denver who have ties to the education space. The group included administrators with responsibility in early childhood, K-12 and higher education. Additionally, there were nonprofit leaders from organizations that ranged from the Boys and Girls Club to the Black Chamber of Commerce.
President Saliman briefed the group on CU’s efforts to attract, retain and graduate students in underrepresented populations across the four campuses. He also discussed ways in which CU is working to keep tuition in check through programs like CU Promise, CU Boulder’s Esteemed Scholars Program and the Colorado Scholars Program, to name a few. The conversation went well past the allotted time because of the great discussion points that were generated from President Saliman’s remarks.
Other topics that generated a good deal of discussion included interest in how the university is supporting and implementing programs for students interested in entrepreneurship and how more faculty of color can be recruited to the campuses to help support and engage student growth.
As a follow-up to the discussion, the group is searching for ways that they, as individuals and as a collective, can support CU’s efforts to keep our community’s best and brightest in Colorado. Denver East High School Principal Terita Walker mentioned that she attended the last Buffs football game and was so excited to run across many of her previous students on the CU Boulder campus. She noted how important it is for all Colorado high school students to feel welcome at CU.
Also attending the event with President Saliman were Regent Wanda James and Vice President for Communication Jeff Howard. Regent James emphasized the need for programs and initiatives that attract and retain underrepresented individuals and small businesses in all aspects of the CU system.