Commission co-chair
Shah to serve as co-chair of Diversity and Equity Commission
1:43 p.m., Sept. 10, 2012--S. Ismat Shah, a member of the University of Delaware faculty since 1999, has been named co-chair of the University’s Diversity and Equity Commission, UD President Patrick Harker and Interim Provost Nancy Brickhouse have announced.
Shah will serve as co-chair with Dawn Thompson, dean of students and associate vice president for student life. He succeeds Patricia A. DeLeon, Trustees Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences.
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“DEC is a strong voice guiding institutional change toward more diversity and broader inclusion on campus,” Harker said, adding, “Prof. Shah's extensive knowledge of the University and his profound commitment to diversity will serve him well as co-chair.”
"Ismat is an exemplary leader whose commitment to mentorship and global initiatives help strengthen our institution," said Brickhouse. "I look forward to working with him and Dawn in creating and implementing policies and practices that will enhance diversity across campus."
“I am thankful to the president and the provost for appointing me co-chair of the Diversity and Equity Commission,” Shah said. “Conviviality requires a celebration of color, caste and creed. The commission is established to facilitate the change in the University atmosphere and bring it to a status where everyone feels equally comfortable and enjoy diversity. I am happy to be a part of this task.”
Shah is a professor with joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering and in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences.
In 2011 Shah received the University’s highest teaching award, the Excellence in Teaching Award, an honor based primarily on nominations from current and past students. He was similarly honored by the College of Engineering in 2007.
Last fall, Shah was named a 2011-12 Fulbright Scholar. He traveled to Azerbaijan to conduct research, advise graduate students and teach courses at Baku State University.
Diversity and Equity Commission
The Diversity and Equity Commission (DEC) is integral to representing campus constituents and aiding administrators in evaluating and prioritizing diversity initiatives.
Its second year has been marked by successful initiatives, meaningful conversations and thoughtful advocacy. In addition to crafting an official diversity statement, the DEC witnessed an increase in caucus representation and activity, with the formation of three new caucuses – the International Caucus, the Disability Caucus and the Women's Caucus.
Caucus membership is open and information is available at this website.
