Dr. Damon A. Williams - Towards a Model of Inclusive Excellence and Change

Dr. Damon A. Williams, Senior Vice President for Program, Training, and Youth Development Services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, recently visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst to review the current Diversity Strategic Plan. The plan lists a number of actions the university is planning to take in order to create a more inclusive and diverse campus. Dr. Williams received his PhD from the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education, specializing in organizational behavior and management. His lecture, titled “Towards a Model of Inclusive Excellence and Change,” focused on the question of diversity and how UMass can create significant learning opportunities for students and faculty. According to Dr. Williams, UMass’s strategic plan is acceptable, but the campus can push it further. He outlined six principles for administration to follow, hopefully creating a more positive and inclusive community. This lecture was given on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in the Cape Cod Lounge of the Student Union at UMass Amherst.