Andreá Williams: 2022-2023 Susan M. Hartmann Mentoring and Leadership Award
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion congratulates Associate Vice Provost Andreá N. Williams for being honored with the 2022-2023 Susan M. Hartmann Mentoring and Leadership Award.
This award is presented annually to a faculty member, regular staff member, or student from within The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated outstanding mentoring to and/or leadership on behalf of women or other historically underrepresented groups at the university. The award will be granted to an individual, irrespective of gender, rank, and status, who has generously and unselfishly served others to promote equity, fairness, and equal opportunities for all members of the university community.
Dr. Williams joined Ohio State in 2006 and is currently the interim associate vice provost for diversity and inclusion as well as the director of The Women's Place. She is also an associate professor in the Department of English, specializing in African American and nineteenth-century American literature.
As a recipient of the Susan M. Hartmann Mentoring and Leadership Award, Dr. Williams will be honored at the College of Arts and Sciences Spring Recognition Reception on April 25, 2023.
Robert Decatur: 2023 Presidential Staff Award
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is proud to announce that Robert Decatur, director of the Morrill Scholarship Program (MSP), has received The Ohio State University 2023 Presidential Staff Award. The Presidential Staff Award, a special distinction within the Distinguished Staff Award awarded to one recipient, recognizes one recipient who demonstrates university values, as well as a commitment to diversity, community engagement, affordable education and access for all students.
Robert, who has been working to advance the Office of Diversity and Inclusion's mission since 2002, has brokered partnerships to deepen and expand systems of support and opportunities for Morrill Scholars. Prior to taking on the role of MSP director, Robert served as the founding director of Ohio State's Campus Change program, director of the Young Scholars Program (YSP), leader on the board for the Summer Experience in Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program, and more.
One recommender highlighted his “humble spirit with seemingly inexhaustible energy and administrative creativity.” They continued, “Robert puts his deep experience to work to push MSP in new directions. He simply does the hard work behind-the-scenes and then steps back to let the students step into the spotlight.” Another recommender praised Robert's dedication to advocacy, “He supports programs, planning meetings, and events far beyond what is required for his work-related position. I have witnessed him take the time to encourage a student in need and connect them to support services and his contributions have made Ohio State a better place for so
many of us.”
Whether it is in his role as a director, professor, community leader, or mentor, Robert has truly excelled in fostering the respect and admiration of those around him.