IU Southeast’s Office of Equity and Diversity added a new member to its team with the hiring of Secretary Ruth Pierce, in December 2008.
Pierce said she, alongside Darlene P. Young, affirmative action officer and trainer, strive to ensure campus compliance with federal, state and local laws in addition to university guidelines regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action policies.
The Office of Equity and Diversity is responsible for compiling statistical data on IUS faculty for the University Affirmative Action Plan, investigating and bringing resolution to discrimination complaints and ensuring fair hiring processes. They also provide training for university departments and student organizations.
“We offer training on the benefits of diversity in your community and campus, on equal opportunity and proper conduct in the work environment,” Pierce said.
Pierce said she began taking college courses in 1992 and studied business management as she transferred from college to college. She graduated from IU Southeast in May 2008 with a degree in humanities in general studies with a minor in business.
Pierce said her interest in issues of equity and diversity began after taking a course on the history of labor-force discrimination during her last semester.
She said her desire for society to be conscious of the advantages of equality is what drew her to her position at IU Southeast.
“People need to be more sensitive, aware and educated about the benefits of diversity, not only in the workplace, but in the campus and community,” Pierce said.
Students, Pierce said, can especially benefit from learning about diversity and equality because it can make them more compassionate in the workplace.
For Pierce, the importance of equity and diversity being present on a college campus is in its power to improve the campus’s atmosphere.
“(When) faculty, students, the campus, and the community are coming together on diversity issues, it can only improve the college environment,” she said.
As someone who’s been familiar with the IUS campus since 1992, Pierce said she has been able to watch the diversity of the campus expand.
She said the diversity of the students and environment of the campus has grown, and is starting to become more representative of life outside of IU Southeast.
The benefits of togetherness and acceptance are what Pierce said she would like to show the students of IU Southeast while working for the Office of Equity and Diversity.
“We need to remember to be inclusive, not exclusive, and to appreciate differences and appreciate being exposed to a diverse group of students and faculty,” she said.
Pierce said working under, and learning from Young is her favorite part of her new position.
“Darlene is awesome, so amazing and educated with an amazing professional background. She’s a great mentor,” Pierce said.
Young said Pierce brings both the perspective a being an IUS student and her professional skills to the table for her position.
“Ruth is phenomenal, very sharp, and picks up on things quickly,” Young said.
“She takes the extra step
and meets with the proper department to accomplish the goal.”
Though new to the position, Young said Pierce has already made an impression upon her.
“She’s just a joy,” Young said.
“She has such a positive attitude and is such a pleasant person. I think the world of her, I’m glad to have her, and I hope to have her as long as I can,” Young said.
Continuing to be a part of Young’s work and becoming more integral in training on campus is what Pierce said she hopes for her future at IU Southeast, in addition to earning a master’s degree in business.
Married for 16 years, Pierce and her husband, who served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, have three sons, ages 13, 11, and 9.
They have lived in North Carolina, Louisiana and New York before her husband was stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.
“Being a military wife and raising a family in the military has been very exciting,” Pierce said.
“We have met people from such diverse backgrounds that the experience has been very educational and enjoyable for all of us,” she said.
We took advantage of our travels and explored each state we were living in and tried to talk to as many people as we could about the history of the area we lived in. The years of moving have left us with very fond memories and friendships.”
Pierce said she and her sons have now lived in Lanesville, Ind., for four years, where they spend time as a family both indoors and out.
“They are all avid readers, and campers. We love to explore the sites and attractions, and uncover the little secrets in Indiana,” Pierce said.
By AMY FAULHABER
Staff Writer
amfaulha@ius.edu