MESA, Arizona – April 5, 2019 – Mesa Community College professor Amelia Rodriguez received a 2019 Maricopa Community Colleges Diversity Advisory Council Award of Excellence. She was celebrated for her efforts in supporting diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement efforts during a celebration March 29 at Phoenix College.
According to the nomination, Professor Rodriguez “created the opportunity for students to explore, understand and reflect on implicit biases not only in the classroom but through the college campus. Her work has helped the college create a more inclusive climate that allows students to be more successful. Faculty are trained to include in their curriculum information that is culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of a culturally diverse population.”
“I am so honored to have received this award,” said Rodriguez. “I have been blessed to work with a team that is open to seeing things from different perspectives. It is because of our work together, that we have made such a difference for our students.”
Rodriguez, an MCC faculty member since August 2002, is chair of the MCC Reading Department, which provides courses in developmental reading, English as a second language, college study skills and college critical reading.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) promotes initiatives, educational and training opportunities, and makes recommendations that reflect diversity as well as monitors campus culture and climate to ensure campuses respect diversity and provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to succeed.
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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.