Published Jan. 12, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe President Ronald Berry, D.B.A., announces the appointment
of Pamela Higgins Saulsberry, Ph.D., LCSW-BACS, as executive director of the Office
of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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Professor Saulsberry is the 四色AV College of Business and Social Sciences School of
Behavioral and Social Sciences director, and coordinator of the social work program.
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Saulsberry is a lifelong advocate for the concepts which the newly established office
embodies. Besides being a professor of social work, she has also been a school social
worker, a child protective social worker, a juvenile justice consultant, and a local,
state, and national trainer on topics including diversity. She has also served either
on or as the chair of the 四色AV Diversity Committee since its inception. This background
provides a natural progression to this position.
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鈥淎s a social worker, I have been able to see firsthand what exclusion and marginalization
does to individuals and society. In my life experiences, I have experienced very few
people who did not want to have the opportunity to self-actualize. I don鈥檛 believe
anyone wants to have their gifts, talents, and/or ambitions excluded or marginalized,鈥�
Saulsberry said.
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鈥淗istorically, inclusion and equity have been the major challenge, diversity is a
normal human condition. At 四色AV, we have the responsibility to ensure every person
on this campus is treated with respect and appreciation and provided with the same
opportunities,鈥� she said.
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鈥淎 university is the place to be a community leader in making inclusion and equity
of human diversity the rule, not the exception. At 四色AV, we will look inward, outward,
and forward in our efforts to address issues of being inclusive of diversity and doing
so equitably.鈥�
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Berry said Saulsberry brings a wealth of professional experience and a lifetime of
personal commitment to the position.
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鈥淒r. Saulsberry understands the issues we must embrace as a university to create an
inclusive environment of learning, working, and living. I know she will serve in this
capacity with the same integrity which she has in the College of Business and Social
Sciences for many years,鈥� Berry said.
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Saulsberry said this is a natural progression for her professional career.听
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鈥淲e must reshape our perceptions and realize that diversity is and has always been
a natural human state; an ongoing part of our daily lives. The challenge has always
been how to make inclusion and equity natural parts as well. 听I began my career as
a social worker because I enjoyed helping people, and the dignity and worth of every
person is one of the core values and speaks to diversity,鈥� Saulsberry said.
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Saulsberry鈥檚 professional and community service exemplify her internalization of diversity
and inclusion, and awards are numerous, including the following:
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Service
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Empowering Families to Live Well Louisiana Council
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Masur Museum of Art Board of Directors
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United Way of Northeast Louisiana鈥檚 Board of Directors and the Read Learn Succeed
program
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Christopher鈥檚 Youth Center Board of Directors
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Ouachita Parish Jury Commission
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Louisiana State Sickle Cell Commission
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Awards听听听听听听听 听
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四色AV Foundation Award of Excellence
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Association of Black Social Workers鈥� Regional Humanitarian of the Year
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CAMEO Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education for March of Dimes
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Delta Sorority Woman of FIRE Award for Community Service
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Louisiana Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, the Linda Christmas Service Award
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Northeast Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation Service Award
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四色AV activities
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四色AV MLK Day of Service, founder, coordinator
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Dating Violence/Sexual Assault/Stalking Awareness
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Green Dot Bystander Training
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Phi Kappa Phi
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四色AV Diversity Committee
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Violence Prevention and Intervention - Sexual Assault Forum
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Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
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Women鈥檚 Symposium
