Diversity & Inclusion

A Message from the SoACE Board of Directors

As our nation suffers through the civil unrest we’ve witnessed as a result of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery these last few weeks, we, as a Board of Directors on behalf of the Association, reaffirm our commitment to diversity and our opposition to racism, prejudice, hatred, exclusion, and bigotry. Every one of us has the power to find opportunities to acknowledge and value all human life.

The troubling acts of violence we’ve witnessed lately are indications that our country continues to suffer from racial injustice. At the most recent SoACE conference in Memphis, we were reminded during our visit to the National Civil Rights Museum that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. ...Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter from the Birmingham Jail). Knowing our country’s history of systemic racism is the best way to equip us with changing things today and in the future.

Whether we have been hurt directly or indirectly, let us acknowledge our pain and work toward healing and real change in a way that is meaningful in our communities, our homes, our workplaces, and in our Association.

Commitment to Diversity
Diversity & Inclusion Goals and Initiatives
Diversity & Inclusion Annual Awards
Get Involved

SoACE Commitment to Diversity

The Southern Association of College and Employers is committed to attaining a pluralistic, diverse membership and providing access to all programs and resources to individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or appearance. The SouthernACE encourages the recruitment and professional development of individuals from all groups by continually developing, examining, and instituting policies, practices and procedures.

Diversity & Inclusion Goals and Initiatives

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee seeks to foster inclusivity among SoACE Membership. Through programming, resource sharing and ongoing communication regarding diversity initiatives, the Committee strives to both promote and celebrate diversity. Through a collaborative use of best practices, programs, and resources, college and employer members will be able to better address the diverse needs of students and the ever-changing landscape of higher education and career services.

Ongoing Initiatives:

D & I “Tweets”: Follow SoACE on Twitter in order to receive weekly tweets related to Diversity and Inclusion. Obtain tips and increase your knowledge on all things related to diversity.

Diversity Spotlight: Read the “Diversity Spotlight” in the SoACE newsletter in order to stay current on Diversity & Inclusion happenings within SoACE membership and beyond.

Diversity Dialogues: Watch your email for the opportunity to participate in a “Diversity Dialogue” once a semester – in the comfort of your own office. These free webinars will allow SoACE members to discuss specific diversity issues while sharing best practices and exchanging ideas.

Diversity & Inclusion Awareness at the SoACE Conference: During the annual SoACE Conference, the D & I Committee will be on hand to celebrate diversity through outreach and giveaways. The Committee also serves as a sponsor for diversity related keynote speakers and breakout sessions.

Diversity “In the Know”: “Best Practices,” resources and news articles on diversity and inclusion in order to keep you “in the know” about diversity and inclusion.

Diversity & Inclusion Annual Awards

Established in 2013 and intended to address SoACE’s strategic priority on diversity and inclusion, SoACE annually recognizes an individual and a group/organization that has demonstrated a sustained commitment to the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in the community and workplace.

Contributions in advancing diversity could be in the form of activism, education, outreach, publication, service, or other initiatives. Criteria for these awards include:

Demonstrates commitment to the spirit of diversity and inclusion through active participation in promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the last twelve months
Supports positive communication and education that promotes mutual respect, acceptance, cooperation or tolerance among people of different backgrounds
Demonstrates and exhibits a positive influence on constituencies
Must be a current SoACE member

Nominations for these awards are submitted with the association wide awards.

Award Recipients

Champion of Diversity Award

2020: Roderick Lewis, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill