In 1992, Dr. John C. Hitt became UCF's fourth president. In his inaugural address, he announced the need "to become more inclusive and diverse" as one of UCF's five strategic goals. He commissioned a Diversity Task Force to study the UCF environment and to make recommendations to assure that the diversity goal would become a reality. As a result of the Diversity Task Force report, the Office of Diversity Initiatives was established in 1994 as a unit within the president's division.
The primary mission of this newly created unit was to advance and coordinate UCF's efforts to promote diversity and inclusiveness. In operational terms, the unit is to provide consultations, education, training, and programming experiences in the area of domestic diversity for the UCF community. Dr. Valarie Greene King, a counseling psychologist and chair of the Diversity Task Force, was appointed Director of Diversity Initiatives and continues to serve in this capacity.
Since the inception of the Office of Diversity Initiatives, the programs, services, and staff have grown to support the university's commitment to diversity. The unit is highly regarded for the programs and services it provides, both internally and to the metropolitan community. In 2000, the office was the recipient of an award in the area of "Innovation" from the Downtown Orlando Partnership for UCF's comprehensive diversity initiatives that are transforming the culture of the organization.
Philosophical Statement
We live in a global community that is becoming increasingly intertwined and interdependent. Demographic, cultural, technological, and economic changes are compelling us to live and work with a wide variety of peoples. To survive and thrive in this modern society means to understand that each of us is mutually connected to the other. Thus, it is in our best interest to embrace diversity, develop cultural competencies, increase leadership capacities, and create inclusive spaces as a means of fully utilizing all human resource potential.
