For demonstrating leadership in equity through his teaching initiatives in Windsor and Tanzania, as well as his work to mentor and recruit students, Andrew Allen of the Faculty of Education recently received the 2015 Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award at Kerr House.

Created by the Faculty Association’s Status of Women, Diversity and Equity Action Committee (SWDEAC), the award was named for the late head of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology, and celebrates individuals who demonstrate leadership through their contributions to creating an equity culture on campus.

“I am honoured and very humbled by this very prestigious award, says Dr. Allen, “Especially one that honours the work of a champion in Equity and Social Justice like Mary Lou Dietz.”

The award winner says he is moved that the selection committee would consider him among such company.

“This is an award of recognition by a jury of my peers. Their letters of support or selection was unexpected and exciting.”

Pierre Boulos, learning specialist at the Centre for Teaching and Learning, supported Allen for his commitment to creating an equitable and diverse environment through his work with the African Diaspora Youth Conference, the Tanzania Project and the Urban Education program.

Dr. Boulos also stressed Allen’s work as an equity assessor and his membership on several prominent equity and diversity committees on campus.  

Several members of Mary Lou Dietz’s family were present when Shuzhen Zhao, Head, Acquisitions/Bibliographic Services & Libraria, presented Allen with the award on behalf of SWDEAC.

“Mary Lou Dietz would be very proud to see Dr. Allen honoured with this award,” says Anne Forrest, Windsor University Faculty Association President.

Find more information about the Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award and Dr. Allen on the WUFA website.  

Dr. Andrew Allen (r.) celebrated his recently received 2015 Mary Lou Dietz Equity Leadership Award with Anne Forrest, Windsor University Faculty Association President (centre) and Pierre Boulos, learning specialist at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (l.).