Lectures & Presentations

A discussion with Adrianna Kezar on integrating shared equity leadership on campus

Megan Maneval — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:17:07 +0000

A discussion with Adrianna Kezar on integrating shared equity leadership on campus Megan Maneval Mon, 04/14/2025 - 08:17

Adrianna Kezar

The Many Voices Summit on April 21 will feature workshops led by Adrianna Kezar, dean’s professor of leadership, Wilbur-Kieffer Professor of Higher Education and director of the Pullias Center for Higher Education at University of Southern California.

Kezar is an expert on change leadership; diversity, equity and inclusion; faculty, STEM reform; collaboration and governance in higher education. She is well published with 26 books/monographs, more than 100 journal articles and more than a 100 book chapters and reports.

Joining her at the summit will be co-presenter Ángel de Jesus González, assistant professor of Educational Leadership at Fresno State University.

Here, Kezar discusses her upcoming presentations with the 51�Թ�� community at the April summit.

Can you provide an example of when leadership teams across campus took responsibility for shared equity leadership that yielded dramatic results for students?

One of the campuses we studied was able to alter its curriculum to be much more culturally responsive—altering both pedagogy and the syllabi and course materials. This involved having faculty explore their courses in learning communities and making individual changes. Faculty had the support of chairs, deans and other leaders who provided funds for seed grants, release time to revise courses and the learning community structures to help them in making the changes. The Center for Teaching and Learning also provided professional development and helped facilitate the learning communities.

In this study, we saw retention and graduation rates for African American and Latino students go up 12% as they were working on this initiative and a few other efforts to broadly support students from historically marginalized backgrounds.

What’s the current biggest challenge in shared equity leadership in higher education?

The challenge is helping people to shift from their current focus on a chief diversity officer, programs and services to a true shared-and-embedded approach where all educators see their responsibility. Having silos and conducting diversity, equity and inclusion work has for so long been considered a side project for higher education that it is hard for people to shift to consider it as normal, good practice for all educators.

The current political climate is challenging as leaders are overcomplying or complying in advance. I recommend that leaders connect with groups such as the Education Counsel for the latest legal and policy updates before making drastic changes to what’s already in place.

If you go

Who: Faculty, staff, students
What: Many Voices: Co-creating 51�Թ��
When: Monday, April 21, 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Where: Williams Village, multi-purpose rooms

Summit schedule

The summit offers seminars for faculty, staff and students on creating culture change through shared equity leadership, creating accountability for shared equity leadership and charting progress and meeting challenges.

What do you think the opportunities for 51�Թ��—a major public research university—are at this moment regarding shared equity leadership?

The opportunity is to be a model to show people who are having to cut programs, services and chief diversity officers in restrictive state and federal environments that the work can continue if it is part of the fabric of the institution and its culture, and not a side project.

Campuses are struggling to know how to maintain their commitments to historically marginalized students, and 51�Թ�� can be a model for how that can still happen. It is easy to target programs and services and a centralized office but much harder to target general educational practices.

What do you want the main takeaway to be for the 51�Թ�� community from the workshops that you and de Jesus González will be leading?

Shared equity leadership is a viable and effective approach in today’s political environment for continuing diversity, equity and inclusion work. More importantly though, even before the current political challenges, shared equity leadership was the way to actually make progress on advancing equity and closing equity gaps and creating an inclusive culture.

We will examine the research that supports its efficacy, and we will explore how to expand and strengthen the current work at 51�Թ�� so that it can meet the promise. Our intention is to re-energize and inspire people in this difficult time.

Kezar, the lead presenter at the April 21 Many Voices Summit, will discuss the value of integrating shared equity leadership tenants into campus standard practice.

Traditional

White

State of the Campus: Justin Schwartz to reflect on 1st academic year

Megan Maneval — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:20:17 +0000

State of the Campus: Justin Schwartz to reflect on 1st academic year Megan Maneval Tue, 04/01/2025 - 15:20

Chancellor Justin Schwartz will deliver his inaugural State of the Campus address to the campus on Wednesday, April 16, where he will reflect on where we stand and outline a vision for the future of 51�Թ�� as he concludes his first academic year on campus.

The chancellor will discuss how the campus is navigating uncertainty and will share his vision for how we will continue to meet the university’s mission together. Following his address, attendees will be invited to enjoy a buffet lunch and mingle with the chancellor.

If you go

Who: Students, faculty and staff
What: Chancellor’s State of the Campus Address and Lunch
When: Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m.
Where: University Memorial Center, Glenn Miller Ballroom

Valid Buff OneCard required for entry. Doors open at 10:15 a.m. Can't attend in person? Watch via livestream.

This State of the Campus event is at the center of a lineup of signature campus events in April including:

BFA Faculty Excellence Awards (April 2)
Distinguished Speakers Board (April 3)
TEDxCU (April 5)
Alumni Reunion Weekend (April 5–7)
Conference on World Affairs (April 7–10)
Cultural Events Board (April 10)
Chancellor’s State of the Campus Address and Lunch (April 16)
CU Buffs Black and Gold Game (April 19)
Many Voices summit (April 21–22)
Sustainability Summit (April 22–23)
New Venture Challenge Finals (April 23)
Engineering Expo (April 25)

For a full list of campus events, visit the campus Events Calendar.

All are invited to attend the State of the Campus (valid Buff OneCard required for entry). The event will be held at the Glenn Miller Ballroom inside the University Memorial Center. Before entering the event, attendees will go through a security screening, which may include walkthrough metal detectors, electronic wanding and bag inspections. Doors open at 10:15 a.m., with the program beginning at 11 a.m. Following the program, the chancellor will host a free buffet lunch, where he will connect with attendees over food and conversation.

A livestream of the event will also be available for those unable to attend in person.

Chancellor Justin Schwartz will deliver his inaugural State of the Campus address to the campus on April 16, discussing where 51�Թ�� stands and outlining a vision for the future.

Traditional

White

Academic freedom at CU and beyond: A conversation April 15

Megan Maneval — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:17:15 +0000

Academic freedom at CU and beyond: A conversation April 15 Megan Maneval Tue, 04/01/2025 - 08:17

Join Provost Russell Moore and Vice Chancellor Michele Moses for a candid conversation about academic freedom—what it means, why it matters and how 51�Թ�� can continue to protect it.

Traditional

White

‘Abolitionist teaching and the pursuit of educational freedom’—a talk April 4

Megan Maneval — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:03:31 +0000

‘Abolitionist teaching and the pursuit of educational freedom’—a talk April 4 Megan Maneval Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:03

The campus community is invited to a talk where Bettina Love, AKA “Dr. Love,” will discuss the struggles and the possibilities of committing to an abolitionist goal of‬ educational freedom. Plan to attend. ‬

Traditional

White

Preventing disinformation and anti-science—a discussion March 31

Megan Maneval — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:48:41 +0000

Preventing disinformation and anti-science—a discussion March 31 Megan Maneval Fri, 03/14/2025 - 08:48

Visiting research scholar Kacper Gradon will discuss ways to prevent and combat disinformation during an Institute of Behavioral Science Speaker Series talk.

Traditional

White

Join TEDxCU on April 5 for an inspiring event

Megan Maneval — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:50:44 +0000

Join TEDxCU on April 5 for an inspiring event Megan Maneval Thu, 03/13/2025 - 11:50

Whether you're seeking fresh perspectives, motivation or innovative ideas, TEDxCU offers a unique experience to enrich your journey. Plan to attend.

Traditional

White

Leland Melvin to share story at 51�Թ�� April 3

Greg B Swenson — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:23:05 +0000

Leland Melvin to share story at 51�Թ�� April 3 Greg B Swenson Thu, 03/13/2025 - 08:23

Leland Melvin, a former NASA astronaut who served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis and helped construct the International Space Station, will speak at 51�Թ�� at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. The event will be held in Macky Auditorium and tickets are available now.

NFL, space and a passion for STEM education

Before his career as an astronaut took off, Melvin was drafted into the NFL by the Detroit Lions, but his playing time was cut short due to an injury. Pivoting to his background in engineering, he launched a career with NASA as an astronaut where he logged 565 hours in space and helped construct the International Space Station.

After his space missions he served as the co-chair of the White House's Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force and as NASA Associate Administrator for Education where he worked to inspire students in STEM.

Author

In his memoir, “Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances,” Leland shared his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance and grace that align to create opportunities for success. He also recently completed the graphic novel “Space Chasers,” that follows a group of kids in their adventures to make it home to Earth from outer space.

Distinguished Speakers Board

The Distinguished Speakers Board is a 51�Թ�� student-run group that strives to bring diverse speakers to campus that will intellectually challenge the student body, as well as spark meaningful dialogue surrounding relevant issues. Past speakers the board has hosted include Jennette McCurdy, Alex Honnold, Trevor Noah, Viola Davis, Scott Kelly, Anderson Cooper, Brené Brown, Laverne Cox, Edward Snowden (via video conference) and many others.

If you go

Who: Open to the public
What: An Evening with Leland Melvin
When: Thursday, April 3, 7–8 p.m.
Where: Macky Auditorium

Tickets are $2 for students, $10 for staff/faculty, $15 for community.

Get Tickets

Leland Melvin, a former NASA astronaut turned author and educator with a passion for STEM, will speak at Macky Auditorium on April 3. Tickets are available now.

Traditional

White

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at 51�Թ�� April 10

Megan Maneval — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:59:51 +0000

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at 51�Թ�� April 10 Megan Maneval Wed, 03/12/2025 - 11:59

The Cultural Events Board (CEB) is proud to welcome Diane Guerrero—acclaimed actress, author and activist—as this year’s keynote speaker. Guerrero, best known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Doom Patrol,” has become a leading voice in the national conversation on immigration and social justice.

Guerrero will speak at 51�Թ�� this spring, sharing her personal journey as the daughter of undocumented immigrants who were deported when she was just 14 years old. Her powerful story highlights the human impact of immigration policies and the resilience of immigrant communities. Beyond her advocacy, Guerrero has used her platform in the entertainment industry to elevate conversations on diversity, representation and social change.

CEB selected Guerrero as this year’s speaker to foster a deeper campus dialogue on the realities of immigration, the challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities, and the broader implications of immigration reform. At a time when migration and displacement are pressing global issues, Guerrero’s perspective offers an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussion about social justice, equity and inclusion.

“We can’t wait for this conversation and hope you’ll join us in welcoming Diane Guerrero!”

About the Cultural Events Board

The Cultural Events Board is composed of student leaders and aims to broaden cultural knowledge by supporting the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented groups on campus, thereby promoting student engagement with their platforms. The Cultural Events Board encourages opportunities for interaction among students resulting in respect, appreciation and understanding for cultural differences.

Past CEB speakers have included award-winning singer, dancer and actress Rita Moreno; South African-born comedian and commentator Trevor Noah; founders of the Black Lives Matter movement; comedian and commentator Hasan Minhaj; former Ohio Governor John Kasich; Olympic gymnast and author Aly Raisman; and Academy Award-winner Viola Davis.

If you go

Who: Open to the public
What: An Evening With Diane Guerrero
When: Thursday, April 10, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $3.97 for students, $7.18 for faculty/staff and $12.51 for the general public.

Get Your Tickets

The Cultural Events Board is proud to welcome Diane Guerrero to campus. Guerrero, best known for her roles in “Orange is the New Black” and “Doom Patrol,” has become a leading voice in the national conversation on immigration and social justice.

Traditional

White

‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs

Megan Maneval — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:12:59 +0000

‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs Megan Maneval Fri, 03/07/2025 - 09:12

Editor’s note: As of March 17, this talk is sold out.

The Conference on World Affairs, the Center for Leadership and the office of Strategic Relations and Communications are thrilled to welcome Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning and three-times Oscar nominated actress, singer and producer Cynthia Erivo to campus the evening of April 7. Erivo was most-recently seen starring in the award-winning film “Wicked.”

Please join Stefanie K. Johnson with the Center for Leadership, for a Conversation with Cynthia Erivo.

Tickets will be available publicly the week of March 17, with the majority of tickets being allocated for 51�Թ�� students. Tickets will be offered at no cost.

51�Թ�� students are encouraged to submit questions for Erivo here: My Question for Cynthia Erivo. A group of students will be pre-selected to ask their questions live on the evening of April 7 and have the opportunity to meet Erivo after the program.

Please sign up here to receive updates on this event and the Conference on World Affairs.

The campus community is thrilled to welcome Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress, singer and producer Cynthia Erivo to campus on April 7. The three-time Oscar nominated Erivo was most recently seen starring in the award-winning film “Wicked.”

Traditional

White

Nobel Laureate to present 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture on March 18

Megan Maneval — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:21:39 +0000

Nobel Laureate to present 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture on March 18 Megan Maneval Thu, 03/06/2025 - 07:21

Jennifer Doudna, 2020 Nobel Laureate in chemistry, will present the 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture, “Genome Editing the Future: Improving Human and Planet Health with CRISPR.” The lecture is free and open to the public.

Traditional

White

Lectures & Presentations

A discussion with Adrianna Kezar on integrating shared equity leadership on campus

Can you provide an example of when leadership teams across campus took responsibility for shared equity leadership that yielded dramatic results for students?

What’s the current biggest challenge in shared equity leadership in higher education?

What do you think the opportunities for 51�Թ��—a major public research university—are at this moment regarding shared equity leadership?

What do you want the main takeaway to be for the 51�Թ�� community from the workshops that you and de Jesus González will be leading?

Related Articles

State of the Campus: Justin Schwartz to reflect on 1st academic year

Related Articles

Academic freedom at CU and beyond: A conversation April 15

Related Articles

‘Abolitionist teaching and the pursuit of educational freedom’—a talk April 4

Related Articles

Preventing disinformation and anti-science—a discussion March 31

Related Articles

Join TEDxCU on April 5 for an inspiring event

Related Articles

Leland Melvin to share story at 51�Թ�� April 3

NFL, space and a passion for STEM education

Author

Distinguished Speakers Board

Related Articles

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at 51�Թ�� April 10

About the Cultural Events Board

Related Articles

‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs

Related Articles

Nobel Laureate to present 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture on March 18

Related Articles

Lectures & Presentations

A discussion with Adrianna Kezar on integrating shared equity leadership on campus

Can you provide an example of when leadership teams across campus took responsibility for shared equity leadership that yielded dramatic results for students?

What’s the current biggest challenge in shared equity leadership in higher education?

What do you think the opportunities for 51�Թ���—a major public research university—are at this moment regarding shared equity leadership?

What do you want the main takeaway to be for the 51�Թ��� community from the workshops that you and de Jesus González will be leading?

Related Articles

State of the Campus: Justin Schwartz to reflect on 1st academic year

Related Articles

Academic freedom at CU and beyond: A conversation April 15

Related Articles

‘Abolitionist teaching and the pursuit of educational freedom’—a talk April 4

Related Articles

Preventing disinformation and anti-science—a discussion March 31

Related Articles

Join TEDxCU on April 5 for an inspiring event

Related Articles

Leland Melvin to share story at 51�Թ��� April 3

NFL, space and a passion for STEM education

Author

Distinguished Speakers Board

Related Articles

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at 51�Թ��� April 10

About the Cultural Events Board

Related Articles

‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs

Related Articles

Nobel Laureate to present 54th George Gamow Memorial Lecture on March 18

Related Articles

What do you think the opportunities for 51�Թ��—a major public research university—are at this moment regarding shared equity leadership?

What do you want the main takeaway to be for the 51�Թ�� community from the workshops that you and de Jesus González will be leading?

Leland Melvin to share story at 51�Թ�� April 3

Actress and activist Diane Guerrero to speak at 51�Թ�� April 10