Dean Dewey receives Multicultural Leadership Award

Barbara I. Dewey, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications, recently received the Award for University Administration at the 2014 Way Pavers Award Luncheon, hosted by the Council of College Multicultural Leadership (CCML).

Five awards, including the University Faculty, University Staff, University Student, and Community Member, honor those who have contributed to supporting diversity initiatives that have positively enhanced student life and the climate throughout the college and local community, while maintaining a high level of character and leadership.

CCML comprises the multicultural directors and deans of the academic colleges and the senior director of the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs at University Park. The mission of the council is to lead efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student body and to assist in the development of strategic plans supporting the Framework to Foster Diversity.

Dean Dewey notes, “Libraries serve everyone, regardless of background, and at Penn State we strive for a diverse and inclusive workforce and provide rich multicultural collections. In the fall of 2013, we began a Diversity Residency Program to prepare recent graduates for leadership position in the field of research librarianship. The program’s goal is to increase diversity among Penn State’s Libraries’ faculty, increase diversity in the profession and enhance Penn State’s reputation as a leader in promoting and cultivating diversity in all areas.”