College board recognizes professor's diversity efforts

James Keeton (left), UM vice chancellor for health affairs, and Ed Blakeslee, IHL president, congratulate Katie S. McClendon on her diversity honor.

he Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, or IHL, held its annual diversity month celebration by recognizing campus and community leaders for their impact in advancing diversity and encouraging understanding and respect.

During the February celebration, Katie S. McClendon, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, was recognized as the University of Mississippi Medical Center's 2013 IHL Diversity Award nominee and received a plaque from board president Ed Blakeslee.

McClendon was recognized by the IHL "for serving as a role model and strong advocate for the advancement of diversity at UMMC and across Mississippi."

"Dr. McClendon's contributions to the advancement of diversity on the UMMC campus and her accomplishments at local and state levels benefit all Mississippians," said Leigh Ann Ross, the School of Pharmacy's associate dean for clinical affairs. "We congratulate Dr. McClendon on this well-deserved honor."

Through its Diversity Recognition Committee, the board honors faculty members nominated by each of Mississippi's public universities for advancing diversity at their institutions and selects one of them as Diversity Educator of the Year. It also selects an individual to receive a Community Leader Award.

McClendon was recognized with other faculty nominees.

Kathie Stromile Golden from Mississippi Valley State University was selected 2013 Diversity Educator of the Year, and former Gov. William F. Winter received the Community Leader Award for his lifetime of service to the state and nation and his commitment to racial reconciliation and improving education.