October 29, 1996
Contact: Liz Latt, (615) 322-2706

Vanderbilt honors six with Affirmative Action Awards


NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Individuals and organizations committed to diversity at Vanderbilt University were honored recently during the 10th annual Affirmative Action Awards Program.

Joining Chancellor Joe B. Wyatt and Pat Pierce, director of the Opportunity Development Center, sponsor of the awards, at this year's ceremony Oct. 16 was Kenneth U. Jordan, Vanderbilt's first ODC director, who is now managing director of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board in Washington, D.C.

Recipients of this year's Affirmative Action Awards for their outstanding contributions to diversity are Brad Bates, associate director for internal operations for the Athletic Department; Community Vanderbilt, a student organization formerly known as the Racial Environment Project; Jim Foster, women's head basketball coach; Kassie Freeman, assistant professor of education, Peabody's Department of Educational Leadership; Dr. Gerald S. Gotterer, associate dean in the School of Medicine; and Joseph Wehby, Peabody research assistant professor of special education.

In addition, 13 individuals and organizations received certificates of recognition for their efforts and support of diversity.

Bates was honored for diligently striving "to make all athletic programs, events and facilities accessible to people with disabilities," Pierce said. He also was cited for his work with student athletes with learning disabilities. Bates, Pierce said, is "dedicated not only to their athletic accomplishment, but also to their academic success."

Community Vanderbilt was praised for initiating what is known as "The No-Lecture Series," a series of three interactive sessions in which students and faculty come together in a residence as equals to discuss race, socioeconomic status and gender issues.

In recognizing Foster for going "beyond the call of duty during his five-year tenure," Pierce said Foster has been "directly involved with the recruitment of African- American students." She also noted that Foster, while serving as acting athletic director earlier this year, "was responsible for increasing the diversity of the Athletic Department's management team by hiring women and minorities."

Pierce also commended Foster for his community involvement, including his work with the Edgehill Community Center, his offer of free admission to women's basketball games in exchange for books for children at the center and his sponsorship of the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee's annual banquet.

Freeman was described as "an enthusiastic and supportive leader" of the Peabody Faculty Council's Committee on Affirmative Action and Diversity, which conducted a yearlong review of Peabody's past affirmative action efforts and evaluation of its procedures and processes. The committee's recommendations have resulted in a critical review of several areas of the college operations with affirmative action and diversity in mind.

Gotterer was recognized for his involvement with the School of Medicine's participation in the summer enrichment program operated in collaboration with Fisk University and the United Negro College Fund. The program was designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority students who gain admission to medical school.

Pierce noted that Wehby "in his short time at Vanderbilt has made great strides in fostering disability awareness on campus" by providing his students with equipment that simulates a disability and allows them to experience firsthand the challenges individuals with disabilities face in the educational arena. Wehby also "has taken an active interest in identifying adaptive technology that will allow students with disabilities in his classes to participate in all learning activities."

Presented certificates of recognition by ODC Assistant Director Michelle McGriff were Watechia Baugh, minority business coordinator in the Purchasing Department; Mary Beth Blalock, director, Educational Library; Stephen Buckles, professor of economics; Francene Gilmer, assistant director of the Career Center; Brenda Gilmore, director, Station B Post Office; Brenda Jordan, registrar in the College of Arts and Science; Anne A. Peterson, patient care services manager for 8 North and 10 South in the Medical Center; Karen Shimakawa, assistant professor, Department of English; the Spanish and Portuguese Department and the Graduate School; the Vanderbilt Child Care Center; The Vanderbilt Register; and Lori Wimer, financial counselor in the Hospital's Admitting Office.

-VU-
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