The awards were presented by the Richard W. Riley Institute of Government, Politics, and Public Leadership at Furman University and sponsored by the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Chambers for the Anderson and Spartanburg areas.

“The University’s commitment to diversity is essential to the accomplishment of our mission and is at the core of the institution’s value system,” said John Stockwell, chancellor of USC Upstate. “We are indeed honored and proud to receive this award.”

Stockwell created a Diversity Task Force to promote a campus environment responsive to diverse people, cultures, ages, and ideas 10 years ago. During the past decade, minority faculty representation has increased from 8 to 14 percent. Minority staff has increased to 18 percent. Minority and international student representation exceeds 30 percent.

In-service diversity training is offered regularly to the campus community. The chancellor served as the first chair of the Board of the Urban League of the Upstate. U.S. News & World Report magazine ranked USC Upstate among the top five Southeastern universities for its diversity achievement.

“The focus on inclusion, diversity, and moving forward together with a powerful sense of community is a byproduct of the struggles and changes of many people,” Stockwell said. “We believe that students who attend and graduate from USC Upstate are rewarded with much more than a college degree, they are prepared for productive citizenship in an ever increasingly pluralistic society and shrinking global environment.”

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