MT Lambda at Middle Tennessee State University will partner with the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences to host the 2015 LGBT+ College Conference, April 9-11, on the campus. Student organizations from more than thirty colleges and universities along with corporate and community leaders around the region will convene to participate in open and honest dialogue on diversity and inclusion issues that impact students and their future in the employment pipeline.
“Last year’s event exceeded everyone’s expectations,” says Dennis Stull, Director of Human Resources at Ghertner & Company and Chair of the 2015 Conference Corporate Advisory Board. “The success of last year provides an opportunity for us to take a deeper dive into how sexual orientation and identity along with other dimensions of diversity impact policy and practice at academic institutions as well as in the workplace and our communities at large. The best outcomes that we can work toward are to influence next practices that allow us to leverage diversity to build institutions and organizations that make everyone feel appreciated, supported, and motivated to excel. These conversations have much more validity when they are supported by the kind of learning, research, and thought leadership that resides at MTSU. Adding the research component this year will also bring tremendous support to the work that we do in our respective organizations.”
Based on requests from last year’s attendees, research presentations focused on diversity and inclusion topics will open the first day. Corporations, government, and community organizations along with their faculty and student research partners from around the state will showcase existing and upcoming research efforts on diversity and inclusion topics.
During the remainder of the conference, students and professionals will have an opportunity to explore the intricacies of building cooperative relationships to positively impact their environment. A panel of corporate executives will share information on how students can leverage their differences for the benefit of a work unit or organization as they prepare to enter the workplace. The conference will also highlight MTSU’s veteran efforts with speakers that include 2014 MTSU Distinguished Alum Vernice Armour ’97, recognized as American’s first female combat pilot; Steven Snyder-Hill, veteran and author of Solider of Change; while Brigadier General Tammy Smith will deliver the Keynote Address at the Conference Awards Dinner on Saturday evening.
Deloitte LLP and Nissan have re-signed as Presenting Sponsors with new sponsors Cracker Barrel and the Tennessee Board of Regents joining organizations around the region to support the effort.
About MT Lambda Association
MT Lambda is an all-inclusive LGBT+ student organization at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and is the oldest organization of its kind in the state. More information on MT Lambda is online at http://www.mtsu.edu/mtlambda/