GLBT Center Director Justine Hollingshead Accepts New Position in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs

Effective May 19, 2014, Justine Hollingshead will begin a new position as assistant to the vice chancellor and dean in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA). Justine has served nearly six and a half years as the first director of NC State's GLBT Center. She has worked in a student affairs capacity for much of the past 26 years, with 18 of those at NC State.

Regarding her departure from the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, Justine stated, 'The decision to move on from the GLBT Center was not an easy one, and in large part because of my work with amazing people on campus and in the local community. However, this is going to be a tremendous opportunity for me personally and professionally. It has been a rare gift to serve as the first director of the GLBT Center and a humbling, rewarding experience.

"It will be exciting to watch the continued progress here on campus, in North Carolina, and nationally. With two court cases in NC related to GLBT rights, in particular about adoption and marriage, it will prove a litmus test of the future regarding equal rights. I have seen steady progress over the past 18 years, not just here in NC but the world over. The attitude and support from young people give me hope."

OIED thanks Justine for her dedication and service to the GLBT Center.

Lavender Graduation Honors GLBT Grads and Allies

GLBT Center's Annual Ceremony Held in Talley Ballroom

The annual NC State Lavender Graduation was held on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Lavender Graduation is an annual ceremony to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally students and to acknowledge their contributions and achievements. GLBT Center staff members Justine Hollingshead, Natalie Nguyen, Julius Perkins and Adam Ward, as well as many student staff members, took part in conducting the event.

Following timley, thoughtful and reflective remarks by speaker Tim Blair of University Housing, the ceremony included the presentation of graduates as well as the GLBT Center’s annual awards: the Rachel L. Turner Rainbow Ally Award, which was given to Lucas Kessler (also nominated: Ben Stockdale); the Thomas H. Stafford Lavender Leadership Award, which was given to Dani Lechner (also nominated: Alex Grindstaff); the Evelyn Q. Reiman Outstanding Ally Award, which was given to Nancy Whelchel (also nominated: Marian Fragola, Barry Olson); and the It Gets Better Award, which was given to co-winners the Health Center and the Counseling Center.

The program also included a ceremonial crowning of NC State's new "Queen of the Pack." Long a tradition in the GLBT community, the art of drag has symbolized activism, freedom and sexual identity and expression for the GLBT community. Student Samuel Byrd, who has performed at the GLBT Center's annual fall Cabaret as Carmen Elektra, has been affectionately known as the "Queen of the Pack." Now moving on, he bestowed the crown onto Adam Ward, also known as Lily Diva-ine, who will continue the tradition next year.

A special award was given this year to Justine Hollingshead by the GLBT Center staff for her service to NC State over the past six years in creating an inclusive campus for GLBT students, faculty and staff as well as advocating for equality both at NC State and in the greater Raleigh community. We congratulate Justine on her new position in the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (see article at left).

For more information about NC State's GLBT Center, see the GLBT Center website.

Lavender flowers from Lavender Graduation

Charting Your Path Workshop: Strategies for Success for Mid-Career Faculty

May 12, 2014
10:00AM to 4:00PM
Friday Institute,
Centennial Campus

June Symposium
(for STP & START Students)

Sat, Jun 28, 2014
9:00AM-4:00PM
Location TBA

OIED Event Calendar

For the full calendar of OIED events, including more information about the above, see the OIED Calendar.

Diversity Digest Schedule

Thank you for reading the Digest! This is the last weekly issue of the 2013-14 academic year. The Digest runs monthly during summer and resumes weekly publication in August. We welcome your feedback. Email us using the button below.

Rescheduled: Giving B(l)ack: Demystifying the Philanthropic Highway National Conference

The Giving B(l)ack: Demystifying the Philanthropic Highway National Conference, to be hosted by the NC State African American Cultural Center, was originally scheduled to be held from June 19-22, 2014. For logistical reasons, the conference will be rescheduled for a later date. Please contact Conference chair Darryl Lester with any questions.

Around Campus

Opening Doors Workshop

Opening Doors is a three-day retreat that provides a framework for increasing diversity awareness, enhancing a person's ability to create an inclusive organization, and facilitating personal and professional growth. The next session will be held September 10-12, 2014. Opening Doors is open and free to all county-based, off-campus, and campus-based faculty and staff within CALS. Through a partnership with the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity, several seats are also reserved for NC State employees who are not in CALS. The workshop is absolutely free and includes all meals, lodging, and educational materials. Register online. Please direct questions to LaTosha Bradley.