Old Dominion University recognizes the inherent value of equity and diversity in the classroom, workplace, and community by honoring individual "Champions of Diversity" with the John R. Broderick Diversity Champion Award.
The John R. Broderick Diversity Champion Award honors and celebrates individuals who encourage and advance the principles of equity and diversity and promotes the positive impact diversity has upon our University community.
Diversity Champion Awards Program Revamp
At this time, we are not accepting nominations for the Diversity Champion Awards. We are in the process of revamping this important recognition program to better align with our evolving commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our goal is to create an even more impactful way to honor those who are advancing inclusive excellence in our community. We look forward to sharing more details soon and appreciate your understanding and continued support.
"Over the years this annual event has grown in size and prestige, so much so that it has become a signature event for our campus and Hampton Roads community. It is one of our mechanisms that has intentionally been designed to celebrate those who advance the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promote inclusive excellence."
- Dr. Veleka Gatling, Assistant Vice President
2024 Award Presentation
Sixteen members from across the University community were honored at the 2024 Diversity Champion Awards reception and presentation held on March 28th in the Big Blue Room of Chartway Arena. Dr. Cassie Glenn, last year’s Overall Diversity Champion provided remarks about her work in the Youth Risk + Resilience Lab (YR2 Lab), and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among our students. 2024 was a highlight year for the DCA as recipients included members of ODU global, the School of data Science, the University Libraries, the College of Arts & Letters, and the College of Health Science. Dr. Angela Wilson, a clinical associate professor in School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences was pronounced as this year’s Overall Diversity Champion. See the complete list of winners.
2023 Diversity Champions
Angela Wilson
Overall Diversity Champion
Clinical Assistant Professor
Ellmer College of Health
Dr. Krystall Dunaway
Senior Lecturer & Undergraduate Program Director
College of Sciences
Brianna “Bri” Elum
Director
Women’s and Gender Equity Center
Travis Jacobs
Graduate Students
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Dr. Sampath Jayarathna
Assistant Professor & Graduate Program Director
School of Data Science
Dr. Shanda Jenkins
Director
Faculty Diversity & Retention
Office of Academic Affairs
Holli Kubly
Head of systems Development
University Libraries
Dr. Najmeh Moradiyran-Rizi
Assistant Professor
Batten College of Arts & Letters
Aíne Norris
Graduate Student
Batten College of Arts & Letters
Dr. Vanessa Panfil
Associate Professor
Batten College of Arts & Letters
Dr. Judith Wambui Preston
Clinical Assistant Professor
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Kerri Rinaldi
Graduate Student
Batten College of Arts & Letters
Mitsue Shiokawa
PhD, DEI Manager
ODU Global
Portia Stokes
Undergraduate Student
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Dr. Shuntay Tarver
Associate Dean
Perry Honors College
