While applauding recent accomplishments yet also noting room for development and improvement, African-American Affairs Dean Maurice Apprey delivered the University's annual State of the Office of African-American Affairs Address last night.
Apprey's talk, entitled "Leading Change, Managing Transformations," marked the beginning of Black History Month and emphasized the need for slow, deliberate changes to the OAAA.
Apprey first summarized the past achievements of the OAAA. He lauded initiatives such as a support system for pre-medical students, a foreign affairs interest group and the nationally recognized peer advising program that assigns black first-year and transfer students an undergraduate mentor. Apprey said the goal of this program has been to "provide personalized support and encouragement" to new students.
Apprey also commended the Luther P. Jackson Cultural Center, headed by Dion Lewis, assistant dean of African-American Affairs. According to Apprey, the center aims to treat culture as "a catalyst for excellence in human understanding."
Despite the accomplishments of the OAAA, however, Apprey acknowledged room for growth and change within the office.
Stressing that "academic achievement and a climate to succeed [are] at the heart of this project," Apprey outlined several projects the OAAA has planned for the future, including a pre-commerce support group and programs that will help students develop leadership and research skills.
"I think it's essential that we create learning opportunities for our students so that they can take the ball and run with it," Apprey said. "We should be able to help students to think and look ahead and to stick to what they wish to do."
Apprey also discussed the importance of commitment and flexibility in leadership.
He added that he wishes to explore ways to create an endowment for the OAAA so that its "sustainability" can be assured.
During the question-and-answer period, fourth-year College student Sabra Lewsey expressed support for helping to create such an endowment.
"I don't ever want this office to close," she said.
In addition to those programs directed at students, Apprey also discussed plans to increase parent and alumni involvement in mentoring programs.
Although a past attempt to increase involvement was unsuccessful, Apprey said, the OAAA "will be reworking the system to make sure we reinstate that program or create a brand-new one that will serve the interest of our students."
This focus on student development was a recurring theme throughout Apprey's speech.
"We belong to the division of student affairs," Apprey said. "In the work we do, we are in the story, but the story is not about us."
Lewis echoed these sentiments, reminding students, "We do what we do because of you, and we hope our work is not in vain"
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