Betty Schmitz, OMA&D director of the Center for Curriculum Transformation, was among the honored guests at the Black Student Union (BSU) Legacy Soirée held Feb. 23, at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center.
Schmitz was presented the Staff Member of the Year award by BSU and the UW Student Diversity Coalition (UWSDC) in recognition of her “ongoing commitment to inclusive excellence and the students of the UW.” For over two years, she has been working with the UWSDC on a proposal to implement a University-wide diversity requirement for all undergraduates. The proposal is currently being considered by the Faculty Council on Academic Standards.
In her role with OMA&D, Schmitz provides leadership on institutional transformation initiatives such as diversity planning, assessment of issues and programs, and developing resources for best practices. She assists both individual faculty members and academic departments in developing courses and curriculum that include the study of race, gender, ethnicity, nation and nationhood, class, disability, sexuality, religion, and their intersections.
Schmitz coordinates the UW Diversity Council, the primary advisory committee to the president on matters of diversity and equity at all three UW campuses. She also works with OMA&D Tribal Relations to produce the annual Tribal Leadership Summit Resource Directory.
The BSU Legacy Soirée celebrates the accomplishments of UW students, alumni, staff and community members. The Black-Tie festivities included dinner, cultural performances, speakers, community recognitions and a time capsule ceremony.