Andrea Romero, Fitch Nesbitt Professor of Family Studies and Human Development and Director of the Francis McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, received the Richard Ruiz Diversity Leadership Faculty Award. The award honors those who make a significant contribution to embed diversity and inclusiveness into a structural or institutional aspect of the university, either through policies or procedures. The award winner must demonstrate dedication to retaining and recruiting diverse faculty, staff and students; fostering equality of opportunity; and creating a welcoming and supportive campus climate. Romero was recognized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and the Commission on the Status of Women at the Visionary Leadership Awards Ceremony on April 12.
“Through her leadership she easily integrates issues of equity and diversity into everything she does, from her research agenda to the way she mentors students, to the courses she teaches and committees she chairs,” a nomination letter signed by members of the UA’s Minority Women Faculty said. “She has exceptional skill at raising difficult issues about race and gender as well as other issues central to the concern for equity and diversity of the faculty and students. Dr. Andrea Romero embodies this and exemplifies the criteria for the Richard Ruiz Diversity Leadership Faculty Award in her service, teaching, and research.”